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THE   LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


Temple  of  Truth. 
PUBLISHED    FOR   THE 

METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHUKOH 


MEMOIR, 
DIARY,  AND  LETTERS, 

OF 

MISS    HANNAH    SYNG    BUNTING, 

OF  PHILADELPHIA, 

WHO  DEPARTED  THIS  LIFE  MAY  25,  1832, 

IN  THE  THIRTY-FIRST?  YEAR  OF  HER  AGE. 


COMPILED  BV  REV.   T.   MERRITT. 


IN    VV.0    VOLUMES 
VOL.    J. 


NEW-YORK, 

PUBLISHED  BY  T.  MASON  AND  G.  LANE, 

For  the  Sunday  School  Union  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
at  the  Conference  Office,  200  Mulberry-street. 

1837. 


a 


13     - 


■5  ■  : 


DEDICATION. 


To  the  Youth, — and  especially  to  such  as  are 
employed  in  the  Sabbath  Schools  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church, — the  following  work  is  inscribed, 
k\  the  hope  that  so  bright  an  example  may  both  in- 
struct and  quicken  them  in  the  pursuit  of  holiness 
and  usefulness  here,  and  glory  and  eternal  life  be- 
yond the  grave,  by  their  humble  servant, 

The  Compiler. 

Neic  -  York,  June  26,  1833. 


PREFACE. 


Miss  Bunting  wrote  not  for  the  public  eye,  but 
for  her  own  improvement ;  and  hence  she  did  not 
always  express  her  sentiments  with  that  precision 
she  would  have  done,  had  she  considered  herself 
writing  for  the  edification  of  others.  The  compiler 
has  therefore  taken  the  liberty  to  change  some  words, 
and  amend  some  phrases  ;  but  never  so  as  to  give 
a  different  sentiment  from  that  of  his  author.  Her 
style  in  some  places  has  been  thought  too  poetic 
for  narrative  ;  and  has,  in  some  instances,  created 
a  doubt  whether  the  language  was  her  own  or  bor- 
rowed; and  occasionally,  where  poetry  has  been 
borrowed,  the  lines  have  been  run  along  in  the  man- 
ner of  prose  ;  which,  however,  is  no  injury  to  the 
sense  ;  and  the  arrangement  of  the  lines  may,  in 
many  instances,  be  made  by  the  compositor,  and 
would  have  been  made  by  the  compiler,  had  he  trans- 
cribed the  Diary.  Miss  Bunting  has  also  been  less 
exact  in  dating,  especially  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
Diary,  than  could  have  been  wished  :  but  the  reader 
will  excuse  this  defect,  as  there  is  no  remedy  for  it, 
and  as  it  does  not  in  the  least  affect  the  veracity  of 
the  narrative. 

For  himself,  the  compiler  would  say,  that  he  has 
been  longer  in  preparing  the  work  for  the  press  than 
he  anticipated  when  he  engaged  in  it.  Though  in 
general  fully  employed  in  the  regular  duties  of  his 


8  PREFACE. 

office,  and  such  other  labours  as  could  not  be  dis- 
pensed with  or  delayed,  he  reserved  this  for  such  occa- 
sional moments  of  leisure  as  he  might  be  able  to  find  : 
but  these  have  been  "  few  and  far  between."  And 
some  months  since,  when  the  work  was,  in  other 
respects,  ready  for  the  press,  he  was  disappointed  of 
that  part  of  the  memoir  which  relates  to  the  first 
seventeen  years  of  her  life,  and  which  could  only  be 
furnished  by  some  person  well  acquainted  with  that 
part  of  her  history.  This  has  been  obtained  within 
the  last  week. 

Beside  the  Diary,  there  is  a  considerable  number 
of  letters  written  by  Miss  Bunting  to  her  religious 
correspondents, — too  valuable  to  be  lost, — which 
will  be  given  to  the  public  in  a  separate  volume. 

Should  the  present  work  prove  acceptable  and 
profitable  to  the  youth  of  the  Church,  for  whom  it 
is  principally  intended,  the  compiler  will  feel  him- 
self abundantly  compensated  for  his  labour  in  pre- 
paring it  for  the  press.  And  in  this  hope  he 
commends  both  the  work  and  the  reader  to  the  God 
of  all  consolation  and  grace. 

New-York,  Sept.  10,  1833. 


A  BRIEF  MEMOIR 


MISS  HANNAH  SYNG  BUNTING. 


Hannah  Syng  Bunting,  the  daughter  of 
Charles  and  Ann  Bunting,  was  born  at  Sharps- 
burg,  (Maryland,)  July  5,  1801. 

Her  parents  returned  to  Philadelphia,  their 
native  city,  while  Hannah  was  an  infant ;  and 
before  she  was  old  enough  to  know  or  value  a 
parent's  care  or  fondness,  she  was  deprived  of 
her  mother  by  death. 

Her  parents  were  of  the  first  respectability, 
and  were  associated  with  the  society  of  Friends. 

Her  grandmother,  Mrs.  Esther  Rudolph,  was 
one  of  the  first  Methodists  in  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  a  member  of  the  Union  Academy 
Church ;  a  lady  of  exalted  character,  a  Chris- 
tian of  genuine  stamp,  and  one  who  bore  ample 
testimony  of  the  truth  of  revealed  religion  by 
her  holy  walk  and  godly  conversation,  through 
a  long  and  useful  life,  and  finally  by  a  happy 
and  peaceful  death. 

Hannah  received  her  early  education  in  Phi- 
ladelphia, while  under  her  father's  care.  At 
the  age  of  twelve  years  she  was  placed  at  school 
in  Cross  wicks,  New- Jersey,  and  resided  near 


10  ME3IOIR    OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

that  village,  in  the  family  of  her  cousin.  Hannah 
Bunting. 

In  her  earliest  years  she  was  distinguished  for 
a  strict  sense  of  propriety  of  conduct,  and  for 
firmness  and  decision  of  character.  She  was 
naturally  reserved  and  diffident ;  yet  possessed 
a  heart  of  warm  affection  and  keen  sensibility. 
She  discovered  a  tender  and  sympathetic  spirit, 
not  only  toward  her  fellow  creatures,  but  also 
to  every  animal  and  insect  that  came  under  her 
notice.  Hence  she  has  been  known,  in  early 
childhood,  to  spend  hours  in  endeavouring  to 
relieve  a  wounded  bird  or  a  drooping  chicken, 
or  in  hiding  a  family  of  kittens  from  destruc- 
tion ;  and  when  she  knew  of  their  sufferings, 
she  would  weep  over  them  with  unaffected 
sorrow. 

These  things  to  many  may  appear  trivial, 
and  unworthy  of  remark  ;  but  they  were  cer- 
tainly the  dawning  of  that  ardent  desire  to  me- 
liorate the  condition  of  the  suffering  and  desti- 
tute, which  shone  so  conspicuously  through  the 
whole  course  of  her  subsequent  life. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  always  rested  upon  her 
mind  ;  and  she  was  constant  and  conscientious 
in  the  duty  of  prayer,  as  a  circumstance  which 
occurred  at  this  time  will  show.  She  was  a 
warm  admirer  of  nature,  even  at  this  tender 
age,  fond  of  rambling  in  the  woods,  or  by  the 
side  of  brooks  and  streams,  and  of  climbing  the 
hills  near  her  cousin's  residence.  One  eve- 
ning, after  returning  from  a  long  walk,  she  dis- 
covered that  she  had  lost  her  necklace,  which 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTIXG.  11 

was  valuable,  particularly  as  it  contained  the 
hair  of  her  departed  mother,  and  a  little  brother 
and  sister.  She  searched  for  it  in  vain,  and 
her  only  resource  was  in  prayer  to  her  heavenlv 
Father,  that  it  might  be  found,  an-d  restored  to 
her  ;  at  the  same  time  promising  that  if  she 
obtained  it  she  would  neither  eat  nor  drink  for 
a  day  and  night. 

The  lost  treasure  was  found  after  some  weeks 
had  passed,  and  she  did  not  fail  faithfully  to  per- 
form her  vow,  but  hiding  from  all  the  cause  of 
her  abstaining  until  many  years  after,  whgn  she 
had  by  experience  proved  the  Lord  always  near 
to  hear  and  answer  prayer. 

Hannah's  relatives,  with  whom  she  lived  while 
at  sehool  in  Crosswicks,  were  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Family  devotion 
was  regularly  performed  by  her  cousin,  and 
Hannali  has  frequently  been  heard  to  say,  that 
her  mind  was  first  sensibly  impressed  with  her 
lost  condition  as  a  sinner,  while  bowed  with  her 
friends  around  the  family  altar. 

After  remaining  two  years  at  school,  she  left 
Crosswicks,  (a  place  to  which  her  mind  ever 
after  turned  with  a  warm  interest,  because  her 
recollections  of  it  were  hallowed  by  the  scenes 
and  friends  of  her  childhood,)  and  returned  to 
Philadelphia  with  a  mind  fully  made  up,  if  she 
ever  joined  any  religious  society  it  should  be 
that  of  the  Methodists. 

Soon  after  this  she  went  to  visit  her  connec- 
tions in  Maryland.  Here  she  was  introduced 
into  gay  and  fashionable  life,  and  was  exposed 


12  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

to  many  temptations  that  she  was  a  stranger  to 
before.  Hannah  had  a  heart  formed  for  the 
noblest  and  purest  friendship ;  and  by  the  agree- 
ableness  of  her  person,  her  peculiar  modesty 
and  simplicity  of  manners,  was  endeared  to  all 
who  became  acquainted  with  her.  While  in  the 
family  of  her  uncle  and  aunt  Ellis,  of  Mary- 
land,  she  had  every  facility  for  improving  her 
mind.  She  spent  much  of  her  time  in  read- 
ing, and  was  particularly  fond  of  works  of  fic- 
tion ;  and,  in  after  life,  she  frequently  remarked, 
that  she  deserved  all  she  suffered  from  a  ro- 
mantic turn  of  mind,  for  having  indulged,  in 
early  life,  in  reading  so  many  works  of  imagina- 
tion. 

Her  cousin,  Daniel  A.  Ellis,  late  of  Balti- 
more, commenced  his  Christian  course  about 
this  time,  and  was  in  early  life  the  .only  Me- 
thodist connection  she  had,  except  her  cousins 
in  Crosswicks,  Daniel  was  deeply  interested 
in  Hannah's  spiritual  welfare.  Their  minds 
appeared  to  be  cast  in  the  same  mould,  and 
their  piety,  in  subsequent  years,  was  of  the 
same  order,  perfectly  free  from  ostentation, 
and  manifested  only  by  the  humble  and  devout 
feelings  of  the  heart.  Daniel,  as  the  history 
of  Sabbath  schools  in  Baltimore  will  show,  fell 
a  martyr  in  their  cause  in  the  twenty-fifth  year 
of  his  age. 

Notwithstanding  Hannah  was  associated  with 
connections  who  loved  her.  and  to  whom  she 
was  ever  warmly  attached,  yet  her  mind  was 
restless  and  uneasy,  and  she  felt  an    "  aching 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  13 

void  within,"  which  "  the  world  can  never  till." 
She  again  returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  soon 
after  wrote  to  one  of  her  former  associates  at 
school,  that  as  short  as  the  time  was  she  had 
lived  in  the  world,  she  found  there  was  no 
real  pleasure  without  the  religion  of  Jesus  ;  and 
that  she  was  resolved  to  give  up  every  idol,  and 
seek  the  Lord  with  all  her  heart.  During  her 
absence  from  Philadelphia  her  sister  Kitty  had 
become  decidedly  pious,  and  when  she  beheld 
Hannah  apparently  taken  up  with  the  world 
and  its  amusements,  she  neglected  no  opportu- 
nity to  warn  her  of  her  danger,  and  persuade 
her  to  give  her  heart  to  God  ;  and  her  mind  be- 
came deeply  exercised. 

She  again  visited  Crosswicks  ;  and  while  her 
friends  were  conversing  with  her  on  the  eve- 
ning of  her  arrival,  on  the  happiness  her  com- 
pany afforded  them,  "  O,"  said  she,  "  do  not 
talk  about  that ;  but  tell  me  how  I  may  obtain 
religion,  and  be  happy." 

At  another  time,  while  walking  through  the 
house,  and  observing  some  changes  which  had 
been  made  in  its  apartments  since  she  had  been 
absent,  she  remarked  that  there  was  nothing  so 
desirable  to  her  as  to  find  a  room  so  retired, 
that  she  might,  in  the  hours  of  devotion,  in  the 
agony  of  her  soul  cry  aloud  unto  God,  without 
being  heard  by  mortals  ! 

On  the  5th  of  January,  1818,  she  joined  the 
Church,  though  she  had  not  then  received  the 
witness  of  her  acceptance  with  God.  She 
notices  this  transaction  in  her  diary  in  Ian- 


14  MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

guage  indicating  a  deep  sense  of  her  own 
weakness,  and  of  her  obligation  thencefor- 
ward to  live  wholly  to  the  glory  of  God.  She 
was  not  like  many,  who  see  the  path  in  which 
they  should  walk,  but  stumble  at  the  very 
threshold,  on  finding  it  too  strait  for  their  in- 
clinations ;  give  place  to  lukewarmness,  or 
turn  back  to  the  ways  of  sin  and  death.  Con- 
vinced that  her  everlasting  salvation  depended 
on  a  diligent  use  of  all  the  means  of  grace, 
and  a  faithful  discharge  of  every  duty,  she 
commenced,  and  so  ran  the  race  set  before 
her,  that  no  doubt  she  has  received  the  crown 
of  righteousness  at  the  hand  of  the  righteous 
Judge. 

A  life  of  extraordinary  piety  has  generally 
been  produced  and  sustained  under  the  influ- 
ence of  extraordinary  circumstances.  This, 
however,  was  not  the  fact  in  Miss  Bunting's 
case.  There  was  nothing  uncommon  in  the 
circumstances  of  her  life.  She  was  indeed  sub- 
ject to  much  bodily  weakness  and  pain,  espe- 
cially the  latter  years  of  her  life  ;  and  she  saw 
many  valued  friends  and  relatives  removed  by 
death.  But  these  things  are  so  far  from  being 
uncommon,  that  they  are  matters  of  daily  oc- 
currence and  observation,  and  what  all  are  called 
more  or  less  to  experience.  The  circle  in  which 
she  moved  was  of  the  domestic  character ; 
and  it  was  there  that,  by  close  attention  to  her 
own  heart,  and  a  single  eye  to  the  glory  of 
God,  her  piety  reached  such  a  growth  as  few 
have  attained  to. 


MEMOIR   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  15 

We  should  not  know  where  to  look  for  one 
who  was  more  uniformly  devoted,  or  who  more 
habitually  referred  every  motive,  action,  and 
event  in  her  life  to  the  will  of  God.  Her  eye 
being  single,  and  her  perceptions  of  duty  clear, 
she  was  enabled  to  perform,  and  endure,  as 
"seeing  Him  who  is  invisible."  I  have  never 
known  one  of  whom  it  might  be  said  with  more 
truth,  that  "  he  saw  all  things  in  God,  and  God 
in  all  things,"  than  of  Miss  Bunting.  On  this 
account  the  following  Memoir  will  be  read 
with  peculiar  interest  and  profit  by  the  truly 
pious  who  tread  the  same  circle,  and  are  in 
similar  circumstances  in  the  world.  Such  a 
life  may  Ao  more  good,  because  it  is  adapted 
to  influence  a  greater  number  of  persons  than 
that  which  is  accompanied  with  the  glare  of 
unusual  circumstances  and  rare  events.  It  will 
readily  be  seen  here,  that  there  is  nothing  but 
what  all  may  aspire  after,  and  attain  to,  un- 
der ordinary  circumstances,  and  with  ordinary 
means. 

Miss  Bunting's  piety  was  ardent,  but  not 
enthusiastic  ;  it  was  rational,  not  mystical.  It 
is  hardly  necessary  to  add, — it  was  Scriptural. 
She  could  say  that  her  "delight  was  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  law  did  she  meditate 
day  and  night."  She  took  the  Scriptures  for 
the  "man  of  her  counsel."  The  word  of  God 
was  a  "  lamp  to  her  feet,  and  a  light  to  her 
path."  Its  precepts  were  the  rule  of  her  con- 
duct ;  its  promises  were  her  support  in  every 
time  of  trial ;  and  its  doctrines  were  the  rich 


16  MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

soil  in  which  her  faith  was  rooted,  and  in  which 
it  obtained  so  remarkable  a  growth.  While 
many  in  different  parts  of  the  country  who  pro- 
fessed Christian  perfection  became  "  wise  above 
what  is  written,"  and  turned  aside  after  various 
phantoms,  she  was  satisfied  with  the  wisdom  of 
God,  displayed  in  the  written  word  ;  and,  hold- 
ing it  fast,  adorned  the  Gospel  of  God  her  Sa- 
viour in  all  things. 

A  sure  indication  of  departure  from  the  right 
way  is  generally  first  perceived  in  a  self-impor- 
tant, censorious  spirit,  and  crying  out  against 
the  ministers  of  the  Gospel  as  fallen,  and  unable 
to  teach  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 
She  saw  and  lamented  this  in  some  high  pro- 
fessors, but  was  never  tinctured  with  it  herself. 
She  kept  the  word  of  the  Divine  testimony,  and 
was  herself  kept  pure  in  the  time  of  temptation 
and  trial. 

Miss  Bunting  was  one  of  the  few  who  truly 
honour  the  Sabbath,  and  reverence  the  sanc- 
tuary  ;  and  therefore  she  was  always  "  satisfied 
with  the  fatness  of  God's  house."  The  public 
ordinances  were  the  food  of  her  soul.  The 
reader  will  have  occasion  frequently  to  remark, 
in  the  course  of  the  following  diary,  how  eagerly 
she  sought  the  public  means  of  grace,  and  how 
great  a  blessing  she  considered  them.  In  par- 
ticular it  may  be  seen  that  her  soul  was  always 
feasted  when  she  sat  under  the  preached  word. 
She  honoured  all  the  Lord's  servants  for  their 
works'  sake ;  and  it  made  little  difference  to  her 
who  was  his  mouth  unto  the  people,  so  they 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  17 

did  but  preach  that  "  Gospel  which  is  the  power 
of  God  unto  full  salvation  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth."  The  reason  for  this  was,  that  she  did 
not  set  herself  to  hear  as  a  critic  or  a  judge, 
but  as  a  disciple  of  Him  who  still  teacheth  the 
humble  as  never  man  taught. 

Nor  did  she  undervalue  the  prudential  means 
of  grace  which  the  Church  holds, — the  class 
and  band  meetings,  the  love  feast,  &c.  These 
she  enjoyed  much,  and  found  them  excellent 
means  of  edifying  the  Church,  and  her  own  soul, 
in  love. 

She  also  delighted  much  in  the  duties  of  the 
closet,  without  a  tinct  of  the  cloister,  as  her 
diary  will  abundantly  show. 

Too  many  professors  of  religion  lay  an  un- 
due stress  upon  the  frames  and  feelings  of  their 
minds,  and  seem  to  think  all  would  be  well 
with  a  luminous  and  joyous  faith,  if  that  were 
possible,  without  good  works.  Not  so  with 
our  departed  sister.  Faith  and  works,  which 
God  hath  joined  together,  she  did  not  put 
asunder.  She  had  just  and  enlightened  views 
of  the  nature  and  extent  of  relative  duties. 
She  never  thought  she  had  done  enough  while 
any  thing  remained  to  be  done.  Her  health 
and  time,  and  whatever  talents  she  possessed, 
were  employed  for  the  benefit  of  her  fellow 
creatures.  She  was  never  happier  than  when 
she  had  the  opportunity  and  means  of  "  minis, 
tering  to  the  necessities  of  saints."  She  in- 
structed the  ignorant,  visited  the  sick,  sympa- 
thized with  the  afflicted,  and  in  every  possible 


18  MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

way  sought  to  do  good  to  others,  as  well  as  to 
enrich  her  own  soul.  In  this  respect  she  knew 
no  difference  between  the  city  and  the  country. 
The  village  of  Frankfort,  of  Jenkintown,  and 
several  others,  will  long  remember  the  name  of 
Hannah  Syng  Bunting,  for  her  unwearied  efforts 
to  introduce  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel  among 
them,  and  for  her  agency  in  raising  both  churches 
and  Sabbath  schools.  She  well  knew  that  as 
Jesus  Christ  went  about  doing  good,  she  could 
not  be  a  disciple  of  his  without  treading  in 
his  steps  ;  and  by  her  works  her  faith  was  made 
perfect. 

It  was  said  above  that  her  devotions  had  no 
tinct  of  the  cloister.  So  far  from  this,  that  while 
she  held  the  sweetest  and  most  transporting 
communion  with  God  in  her  closet,  she  de- 
lighted in  the  society  of  her  relations  and  reli- 
gious friends,  and  was  ever  ready  to  take  the 
"  walks  of  usefulness"  among  them.  She  was 
by  nature  social ;  and  possessing  a  lively  ima- 
gination, a  mind  well  cultivated,  with  an  af- 
fectionate heart,  she  was  well  prepared  to  enjoy 
the  most  refined  pleasures  of  society  in  every 
virtuous  circle. 

There  is  one  trait  in  the  character  of  Miss 
Bunting  which  deserves  particular  notice, — her 
fondess  for  natural  scenery.  Her  intellectual 
taste  and  mental  cultivation,  assisted  by  that 
elevated  piety  which  ever  delights  in  contem- 
plating the  perfections  of  the  universal  Archi- 
tect in  his  works,  prepared  her  for  the  highest 
enjoyment  in  all  the  variety  which  the  heavens 


MEMOIR   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  19 

and  the  earth,  day  and  night,  present  to  the 
eye.  While  the  ignorant  and  the  supersti- 
tious pass  hy  all  these  things  as  unworthy  of 
their  notice,  or  notice  them  only  to  find  fault, 
(as  though  admiration  here  were  the  same  as 
idolatry,)  with  her  they  were  incentives  to  de- 
votion, and  sources  of  the  purest  enjoyment. 
She  truly  "looked  through  nature  up  to  nature's 
God  ;"  saw  him  in  all  his  works,  and  praised 
him  for  all  his  hands  had  made.  The  broad 
expanse  of  water,  lighted  up  with  the  moon- 
beams,— the  precipice  and  the  purling  brook, — 
the  mountain  and  the  plain, — the  hill  and  the 
valley, — the  verdure  of  June  and  the  faded  leaf 
of  October, — the  flower  of  May  and  the  golden 
fruit  of  autumn,  all  spoke  to  her  of  the  skill  and 
bounty  of  our  heavenly  Father.  When  she 
travelled,  she  conversed  with  God  in  his  works, 
and  when  at  home  she  was  in  meditation  and 
prayers,  in  searching  the  Scriptures,  and  speak- 
ing to  herself  and  others  in  "psalms,  and  hymns, 
and  spiritual  songs."  All  times  and  places  af- 
forded the  means  of  raising  her  thoughts  and 
affections  to  heaven,  and  she  was  ever  disposed 
to  profit  by  them. 

When  our  sister  commenced  the  Christian 
course,  and  indeed  ever  afterward,  she  seemed 
to  have  in  view  that  direction  of  the  apostle, — 
"  Therefore,  leaving  the  first  principles  of  the 
doctrine  of  Christ,  let  us  go  on  to  perfection." 
She  viewed  the  commandment  to  be  "  exceed- 
ing broad,"  but  she  viewed  the  promised  grace 
to  be  as  broad,  and  that  it  was  efficient  to  "put 


20  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

the  Divine  laws  into  her  mind,  and  write  them 
in  her  heart  ;"  and  the  accomplishment  of  this 
promise  was  the  object  of  her  highest  aim  and 
desire.  She  was  not  enthusiastic  and  vision- 
ary, looking  for  her  object  in  lights  and  rap- 
tures ;  but  she  sought  it  assiduously  in  all  that 
relates  to  the  heart  and  conscience.  The 
Divine  purity  was  ever  present  to  her  under- 
standing,  and  nothing  was  so  desirable  as  a 
thorough  conformity  to  it.  Moral  holiness 
appeared  to  her  to  possess  intrinsic  value,  and 
it  is  almost  incredible  with  what  intenseness 
of  desire  she  sought  it  at  all  times.  Nor  did 
she  seek  it  in  vain.  Whoever  reads  her  diary 
with  a  candid  eye,  will  readily  perceive  that 
the  convictions  of  her  own  heart,  as  to  the 
extent  of  native  depravity,  were  very  clear  and 
distinct ;  that  her  repentance  was  thorough  ; 
and  that  she  made  earnest  application  by  faith 
to  the  blood  of  atonement,  as  the  only  and 
efficient  means  of  taking  away  the  defilement 
and  the  power  of  sin.  And  hence  she  became 
dead  to  the  world,  and  the  world  to  her.  She 
loved  God  with  all  her  heart,  and  her  devotion 
became  habitual  and  universal.  She  was  often 
brought  into  straits,  and  tried  in  the  most  ten- 
der points  ;  but  these  only  served  to  show  that 
she  had  no  will  of  her  own,  no  choice,  but  ac- 
quiesced in  the  Divine  will  in  all  the  appoint- 
ments of  her  heavenly  Father.  All  around  wit- 
nessed the  happy  change  in  the  heavenly  fruits 
it  produced.  As  she  was  cheerful  and  happy 
herself,  she  endeavoured  to  make   all   around 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  21 

her  happy,  by  a  conversation  always  with 
grace,  and  suited  to  the  circumstances  of  those 
with  whom  she  had  any  intercourse.  Her  whole 
deportment  was  the  most  sincere,  affectionate, 
and  winning,  and  excited  the  admiration  of 
those  who  were  the  most  intimately  acquainted 
with  her. 

It  must  not  be  forgotten,  that  while  Miss 
Bunting  enjoyed  the  fulness  of  the  love  of 
God,  and  rejoiced  in  him  daily  as  her  all- 
sufficient  portion,  she  was  always  reaching 
after  higher  degrees  of  holiness,  and  more  sen- 
sible communion  with  her  God  and  Saviour. 
And  indeed  so  small  did  she  consider  her 
attainments,  in  view  of  the  immensity  of  the 
grace  and  holiness  of  God,  that  her  language, 
on  some  occasions,  borders  upon  that  of  posi- 
tive want  and  self  condemnation.  She,  there- 
fore, with  all  the  truly  excellent  of  the  earth, 
saw  room  to  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  know- 
ledge of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
And  this  will  be  the  case,  not  only  with  the 
greatest  saints  upon  earth,  but  probably  in 
heaven  also.  For  it  is  evident  that  the  facul- 
ties and  capacities  which  are  finite,  being  em- 
ployed on  objects  which  are  infinite,  may  expe- 
rience a  "  growing  bliss,"  and  that  eternally. 
This  was  the  sentiment  and  language  of  our 
departed  sister. 

Miss  Bunting  was  by  no  means  a  stranger 
to  the  pains  and  ills  of  human  life.  Besides 
sharing  with  others  in  their  afflictions,  she  was 
called  to  endure  great  infirmity  and  pain  of 


22  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING*. 

body  for  years  before  she  was  wholly  taken  from 
the  active  duties  of  life.  But  she  endured  all 
with  the  submission  and  patience  becoming  her 
profession.  An  impatient  word  was  perhaps 
never  heard  from  her  lips.  She  had  so  long 
been  accustomed  to  view  the  providence  of  God 
in  her  sharpest  afflictions,  and  had  so  long  ex- 
perienced the  spiritual  benefit  resulting  from 
sanctified  pains,  that  she  seemed  rather  to  enjoy 
them,  and  to  turn  them  into  occasions  of  thanks- 
giving and  praise. 

She  seems,  with  most  people,  to  have  had  a 
natural  dread  of  death  ;  and  often  in  her  diary 
speaks  of  an  assurance  that  a  long  life  was  not 
appointed  to  her  upon  the  earth  ;  but  so  com- 
plete a  victory  had  she  obtained  in  this  respect, 
and  that  for  some  years  before  she  died,  that 
death  had  completely  lost  its  sting ;  nay  more, 
she  contemplated  it  not  only  with  composure, 
but  with  rapture.  She  frequently  dealt  with 
herself  in  reference  to  that  event.  She  thought 
of  the  "  struggles  of  death,"  of  the  "  agonies 
of  dissolving  nature  ;" — of  the  "  cold,  lonesome 
grave,"  and  of  "  the  worm  that  feedeth  in 
darkness."  And  this  she  did,  not  as  the  phi- 
losopher, who  familiarizes  a  painful  subject  to 
his  thoughts,  that  he  may  reconcile  himself  to 
his  fate  ;  but  as  the  Christian,  who  is  taught  to 
consider  death  as  the  passage  from  a  state  of 
affliction  to  a  state  of  rest,  and,  as  a  short  sleep, 
to  be  followed  by  a  resurrection  to  a  glorious 
immortality.  And  for  "  these  lively  hopes"  she 
acknowledged  herself  indebted  to  Jesus  Christ, 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  23 

in  whose  resurrection  she  had  a  pledge  and  ear- 
nest of  her  own.  These  were  the  views  which 
our  deceased  friend  took  of  death  ;  views  which 
rilled  her  with  transport  in  the  contemplation 
of  it,  and  rendered  her  triumphant  in  her  final 
hour. 

The  writer  of  this  brief  Memoir  has  reserved 
for  this  place  a  more  particular  account  of  the 
interest  Miss  Bunting  took  in  the  Sunday 
schools,  and  the  remarkable  success  she  met 
with  as  a  teacher  in  them.  In  her  diary  fre- 
quent allusions  are  made  to  her  Sunday  class  ; 
but  her  extreme  diffidence  in  herself,  and  in  all 
that  she  did,  has  prevented  her  going  into  this 
subject  as  fully  as  we  could  have  wished.  And 
this  reservedness  is  the  more  to  be  regretted, 
as  the  spirit,  method,  and  success  in  this  de- 
partment of  Christian  labour,  in  one  so  emi- 
nently gifted  for  the  work,  could  not  but  be 
efficient  as  an  example  to  others,  especially  to 
those  who  are  piously  devoted  to  the  same 
employment.  This  deficiency  in  the  diary 
can,  however,  in  some  measure  be  supplied 
by  those  who  were  intimately  acquainted  with 
her. 

On  this  occasion  the  compiler  acknowledges 
his  obligation  to  Mr.  James  B.  Longacre,  of 
Philadelphia,  for  an  account  of  Miss  Hannah 
S.  Bunting,  as  a  Sabbath  school  teacher  ;  and 
also  through  him,  to  Miss  S.  Anne  Barton,  for 
an  invaluable  communication  on  the  same  sub- 
ject. Miss  Barton  was  well  prepared  to  de- 
scribe and  appreciate  the  labours  of  Miss  Bun- 


24  MElffOIIS  OF  MISS   BUJSTKs7G. 

ting  in  the  Sabbath  school  department,  as  she 
had  enjoyed  the  benefit  of  her  instructions  and 
prayers.  May  all  who  read  the  following  brief 
accounts  imbibe  a  portion  of  the  spirit  of  her 
who  is  the  subject  of  them,  and  be  prepared  to 
follow  her  as  she  followed  Christ. 

Mr.  Longacre  says,  "  It  was  in  the  year 
1819  that  the  Sunday  School  Society  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Union  Church  in  this  city 
was  organized  ;  and  by  a  record  in  my  pos- 
session I  find  that  Hannah  S.  Bunting  was  one 
of  the  first  contributing  members  of  that  so- 
ciety.  Her  labours  as  a  teacher,  must,  I  pre- 
sume, have  commenced  about  the  same  period. 
The  year  following  (1S20)  I  became  connected 
with  one  of  the  schools  of  that  society  as  super- 
intendent, and  remained  until  June,  1823, 
when  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  congre- 
gation with  which  that  school  was  connected, 
caused  it  at  length  to  be  relinquished.  Hannah 
was  one  of  the  teachers  in  this  school,  and 
continued  to  attend  as  such  until  within  about 
three  months  of  the  time  when  the  school  was 
discontinued.  I  do  not  recollect  any  particu- 
lar cause  of  her  absence  during  the  last  three 
months  the  school  continued  to  exist ;  but  the 
season  was  one  of  trial  to  the  teachers.  The 
church  to  which  the  school  was  attached  had 
ceased  to  be  their  place  of  worship,  (the  house 
having  been  sold,)  and  the  school  was  continued 
in  the  neighbourhood,  by  the  perseverance  and 
energy  of  the  teachers,  for  several  months  ; 
when  they  were  unexpectedly  ejected  from  the 


M-EtfOlH  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  25 

building  in  which  they  had  been  accustomed  to 
meet.  Several  of  the  teachers,  however,  became 
united  in  the  still  remaining  school  under  the 
care  of  the  society,  which  was  held  in  a  build- 
ing near  the  Academy  church,  in  Fourth-street. 
Hannah  Bunting  was  among  that  number.  In 
this  school  [  was  continued  as  the  alternate 
superintendent,  and  in  the  same  charge  I  re- 
main at  this  time. 

"  From  the  foregoing  statement  it  may  be 
supposed  that  I  could  not  have  been  a  stranger 
to  the  character  and  labours  of  our  departed 
sister  as  a  Sunday  school  teacher  ;  nor  was  I : 
and  if  called  upon  to  point  out  a  model  for 
Sunday  school  teachers,  I  should  turn  instinct- 
ively to  the  place  in  our  school  room  where 
once  sat,  in  converse  with  her  privileged  and 
favoured  class,  Hannah  Syng  Bunting.  But 
to  impress  others  with  a  conviction  so  familiar 
to  my  own  mind,  would  require  a  statement  of 
details  now  difficult  to  furnish,  and  powers  of 
description  that  I  do  not  possess.  Although  a 
superintendent  may  be  fully  aware  of  the  difc 
ference  in  character  and  efficiency  of  the  teach- 
ers under  his  direction,  it  does  not  become  him 
to  show  a  partiality  in  the  school,  or  to  assign 
a  greater  portion  of  his  time  and  attention  to 
such  teachers  as  merit,  by  their  qualifications 
and  fidelity,  the  highest  regard  i  and  in  fact 
his  attention  is  most  imperiously  required  to 
those  who  are  most  deficient  in  the  correct  dis- 
charge of  their  duties,  in  order  that  the  school 
'  Ay  not  suffer  from  their  negligence  or  inca- 


26  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

pacity.  It  follows,  therefore,  that  the  most 
meritorious  teachers  are  precisely  those  that 
attract  the  smallest  share  of  his  observation  in 
the  ordinary  routine  of  their  duties. 

"  I  offer  these  remarks  only  to  account,  in 
some  measure,  for  the  paucity  of  facts,  or 
striking  incidents,  which  my  own  observation 
enables  me  to  supply,  in  reference  to  the  Sun- 
day school  services  of  our  sister.  In  addition 
to  this  I  would  remark,  that  a  distinguished 
trait  in  her  character  was,  its  extreme  remove, 
its  sensitiveness  and  shrinking  from  every  thing 
like  ostentation  in  the  work  to  which  she  had 
been  called,  and  for  which  she  seemed  so  emi- 
nently gifted.  To  every  appearance  of  publi- 
city the  language  of  her  deportment  seemed  to 
say,— 

'  Make  me  little  and  unknown, 
Loved  and  prized  by  God  alone !' 

"  But,  great  as  was  her  native  modesty,  it 
did  not  suffice  to  dim  the  evidence  of  her  burn- 
ing zeal  for  the  Redeemer's  cause,  or  to  hide 
from  her  coworkers  her  conscientious  devo- 
tion, and  her  cheering  success,  as  a  teacher  of 
the  way  of  life  to  the  youth  whom  God,  in  his 
kind  providence,  had  placed  within  the  sphere 
of  her  instructions.  Although  she  did  not 
neglect  the  regular  and  appropriate  lessons  of 
the  school,  she  seemed  constantly  aware  that  a 
higher  destiny  awaited  the  children  of  her 
charge,  than  that  which  merely  intellectual 
culture  could  accomplish.     She  regarded  them 


ME3I0IP   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  27 

as  the  heirs  of  eternal  happiness  or  misery ;  and 
the  sense  of  her  own  responsibility,  as  it  re- 
spected their  spiritual  welfare,  was  never  appa- 
rently absent  from  her  mind.  They  were  the 
subjects  of  her  incessant  aspirations  to  the  throne 
of  grace.  At  school  or  at  home,  she  never  for- 
got them  ;  nor  was  her  fervent  affection  for 
them  without  its  reward.  I  have  been  informed, 
through  one  who  had  an  opportunity  of  tracing 
the  subsequent  history  of  her  numerous  class, 
that  all  except  two  have  become  the  happy 
subjects  of  the  soul-renewing  influence  of  God's 
Holy  Spirit. 

"  One  incident  that  fell  under  my  own  ob- 
servation has  left  an  indelible  impression  on 
my  mind  of  the  peculiar  character  and  effect 
of  her  labours  to  which  I  have  adverted.  While 
personally  occupied  on  one  occasion  with  the 
customary  supervision  of  the  school,  my  atten- 
tion was  called  by  the  directress  then  engaged 
in  the  female  department,  by  requesting  me  to 
'look  at  Hannah's  class.'  On  turning  to  the 
quarter  of  the  room  it  occupied,  I  perceived 
that  their  books  were  all  thrown  by  ;  that  they 
were  all  in  tears,  some  sobbing  audibly,  from 
the  effects  of  the  earnest  and  affectionate  ex- 
hortations of  their  teacher,  which  had  been 
delivered  in  so  quiet  and  subdued  a  tone,  that 
the  exercises  of  the  adjoining  classes  had  suf- 
fered no  interruption.  This  circumstance  was 
so  much  in  accordance  with  her  general  habits 
as  a  teacher  as  to  occasion  no  surprise  among 
her  fellow  labourers. 


2S  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING* 

"  One  fact,  in  addition  to  what  is  stated  above/ 
should  not  be  omitted.  It  was  the  constant 
practice  of  Miss  Bunting,  while  a  teacher,  to 
meet  her  class  privately  on  Saturday  afternoon, 
for  the  purpose  of  engaging  with  them  in  reli- 
gious exercises ;  at  which  times  she  read  to  them, 
exhorted  and  questioned  them,  varying  the  es> 
ercises  by  singing  and  prayer  :  seeking  by  these 
means  to  prepare  their  minds  for  the  duties  of 
the  Sabbath. 

"  When  her  declining  health  prevented  her 
from  any  longer  treading  the  path  she  so  much 
loved,  (the  path  that  led  to  the  Sunday  school,) 
she  still  continued  to  meet  her  class  at  an  ap- 
pointed time  in  the  house  in  which  she  resided, 
to  instruct,  admonish,  exhort,  and  pray  with 
them. 

'•  If  there  was  any  place  at  which,  during 
the  period  of  health,  she  might  be  said  to  be 
conspicuous,  it  was  at  the  meeting  for  prayer 
among  the  teachers.  Here,  in  her  anxiety  for 
the  prosperity  of  the  school,  she  seemed  for  a 
moment  to  be  released  from  the  restraints  of 
her  habitual  diffidence  and  self-distrust ;  and 
her  fervent  supplications  proved  that  worldly 
fear  had  no  place  among  the  motives  which  led 
her  to  court  retirement  in  the  discharge  of  her 
duties. 

"  She  had  been  a  considerable  time  sepa- 
rated from  our  school  by  the  lingering  illness 
which  terminated  in  her  decease  ;  but  still  so 
affectionately  remembered,  that  the  announce- 
ment of  her  death  fell  upon  her  associates  like 


MEMOIR  OF  MIS9  BUNTING.  29 

the  news  of  an  irretrievable  loss.  It  was  on  a 
Sabbath  afternoon  that  her  funeral  took  place ; 
and  our  school  in  a  body,  teachers  and  children, 
followed  her  remains,  with  mournful  affection, 
to  the  house  appointed  for  all  living  :  the  school 
having  been  adjourned  to  gratify  their  unani- 
mous wishes. 

"  In  her  private  intercourse  with  the  children 
of  her  class  there  must  have  occurred  many 
incidents  of  an  affecting  nature  ;  but  I  have 
had  no  opportunity  of  collecting  them.  I  feel 
but  too  conscious  that  it  is  in  my  power  to 
contribute  very  imperfectly  to  the  construction 
of  a  memoir  that  should,  if  possible,  perpetuate 
her  usefulness.  Her  example  is  one  that  be- 
longs pre-eminently  to  the  Sunday  school 
cause,  which  it  is  calculated  at  once,  if  pro- 
perly displayed,  to  benefit,  to  illustrate,  and 
adorn." 

The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Miss 
Sydney  Anne  Barton,  (communicated  through 
Mr.  Longacre,)  relates  to  the  same  subject  as 
the  foregoing ;  and  will  give  some  additional 
particulars  respecting  Miss  H.  S.  Bunting  as 
a  Sunday  school  teacher.  Miss  Barton  writes 
as  follows  : — 

.  "  In  the  year  1823  she  (Miss  Bunting)  was 
appointed  teacher  of  the  first  female  Scripture 
class,  of  which  I  was  then  a  member.  Then 
indeed  did  she  manifest  her  concern  for  those 
who  were  committed  to  her  care,  by  endea- 
vouring to  impress  upon  our  minds  the  import- 
ance of  that  change  of  heart  which  was  necessary 


30  MEMOIR   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

for  our  happiness  here  and  hereafter  ;  and 
earnestly  recommended  to  us  to  obtain,  in  the 
days  of  our  youth,  that  religion  of  which  she 
was  so  bright  a  pattern.  Such  was  her  anxiety 
on  our  account,  that  she  deemed  that  portion 
of  time  usually  passed  in  school  too  small  for 
the  great  work  she  had  to  do,  and  for  the  im- 
mense interest  we  had  to  secure ;  and  there- 
fore appointed  a  time  for  meeting  us  at  her 
own  dwelling,  where  a  better  opportunity  offered 
for  conversing  with  us  more  largely  than  the 
school  afforded.  Then  would  her  pious  soul 
give  vent  to  its  most  ardent  feelings  on  our  ac- 
count ;  and  often  with  streaming  eyes  would  she 
exhort  us  to  beware  of  neglecting  to  partake 
of  those  blessings  which  the  Gospel  so  freely 
offers  to  all,  and  which  she  assured  us,  from 
her  own  experience,  far  surpassed  all  the  joys 
of  earth.  Thus,  from  week  to  week,  were  we 
permitted  to  receive  the  instructions  of  our 
teacher. 

"  But  not  till  the  year  1825  had  she  much 
reason  to  hope  that  any  happy  result  would 
accrue  to  us  from  all  her  labour  ;  and  not  un- 
til she  declared  that  she  was  grieved  in  soul  to 
think  that  we,  who  were  so  highly  privileged, 
should  remain  so  unconcerned  ;  that  her  ad- 
monitions would  rise  in  judgment  against  us  ; 
that  she  had  at  least  cleared  her  own  conscience ; 
and  that  if  we  thought  her  too  plain,  she  would 
assure  us  it  was  our  good  she  sought,  and 
through  us  she  had  hoped  to  witness  a  good 
result  of  her  labours  before  that  time  ; — it  was 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  31 

not  till  after  this,  I  say,  that  she  had  much  en- 
couragement. The  merciful  God  was  not 
unmindful  of  his  promise,  that  those  who  '  sow 
in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.'  She  had  at  length 
the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  her  labours  had 
not  been  altogether  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  A 
general  seriousness  was  manifested  in  her 
scholars,  which  encouraged  her  to  persevere  in 
urging  us  to  cherish  the  slightest  motions  of  the 
Spirit,  and  to  embrace  every  opportunity  of 
using  the  means  of  grace.  She  invited  us  to 
accompany  her  to  class,  where  Mr.  White  was 
leader,  whose  Christian  and  fatherly  instruc- 
tions I  can  never  forget.  She  also  obtained 
for  us  admission  to  the  society  of  a  few  Chris- 
tian friends,  who  met  weekly  for  pious  conver- 
sation, from  whom  we  met  with  much  encou- 
ragement to  persevere  till  we  should  obtain  an 
interest  in  the  blessings  of  the  new  and  ever- 
lasting covenant.  At  the  same  time,  with  what 
anxiety  did  she  watch  the  increasing  concern 
manifested  by  some  of  her  class ;  and  how 
earnestly  did  she  encourage  us  to  look  for 
pardon  and  peace  through  faith  in  the  promises 
of  the  Gospel,  and  to  fiee  to  Christ  as  our  only 
refuge. 

"  She  also  appointed  an  hour  for  us  to  meet 
in  spirit  at  the  throne  of  grace,  though  absent 
from  each  other  in  body  ;  and  I  have  reason  to 
believe  that  that  hour  was  constantly  remem- 
bered by  her,  and  by  some  of  us,  till  the  day  of 
her  death.  Between  the  commencement  of  the 
year  and  September,  1825,  she  had  the  happi- 


32  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

ness  of  witnessing  the  conversion  of  four  of  her 
class  ;  and  I  was  one  of  the  number.  We 
united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
and  three  of  us  were  appointed  teachers  in  the 
Sunday  school. 

"  In  consequence  of  her  ill  health  she  re- 
signed her  place  in  the  Bible  class,  and  with 
my  assistance  took  charge  of  a  junior  one,  un- 
til her  renewed  health  permitted  her  to  resume 
her  former  station.  I  reflect  with  pleasure  on 
those  seasons  we  have  spent  together.  Often 
have  we  visited  the  parents  of  our  scholars ; 
-and  wherever  an  opportunity  offered,  she  al- 
ways imparted  religious  instruction  to  both  old 
and  young.  Often  have  I  accompanied  her  on 
errands  of  mercy  to  the  most  abject  subjects 
of  want,  whom  she  not  only  temporarily  relieved, 
but  whom  she  never  left  without  imparting  some 
spiritual  comfort.  And  I  believe  that  not  until 
that  great  day  when  all  secrets  shall  be  re- 
vealed, will  the  extent  of  her  usefulness  be 
known. 

"  After  changing  my  place  from  a  scholar  to 
that  of  a  teacher,  I  was  not  intimately  acquainted 
with  those  persons  who  came  under  her  instruc- 
tions. I  am  not  able  to  say,  therefore,  how  far 
the  good  resulting  extended  ;  but  so  far  as  I  have 
been  able  to  ascertain,  there  are  at  present  eight 
of  them  members  of  different  Methodist  socie- 
ties in  this  city,  (Philadelphia,)  some  of  whom 
left  the  school  without  any  apparent  change  for 
the  better,  but  date  their  present  experience 
and  enjoyment  from  the  impressions  received 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS   HUNTING.  £3 

from  her  faithful  instructions.  Ami  I  doubt 
not  there  are  many  more  of  whom  she  will  be 
able  to  say,  in  that  day,  '  Here  am  I,  Lord, 
and  the  children  thou  hast  given  me.'  She 
often  spoke  of  the  hope  she  entertained  of 
meeting  some  of  them  in  heaven.  And  now 
that  her  work  on  earth  is  done,  and  she  has 
gone  to  rest  for  ever  with  her  Lord,  let  all  those 
who  cherish  an  affection  for  her  memory,  and 
who  have  been  benefited  by  her  instructions^ 
show  their  gratitude  by  so  following  her  as  she 
followed  Christ. 

"  S.  Anne  Barton." 

This  account  must  be  closed  by  a  brief  ex- 
tract of  a  letter  to  a  friend,  written  by  one  who 
knew  the  subject  of  this  memoir  well,  having 
had  the  benefit  of  her  instructions  as  well  in  as 
out  of  the  Sabbath  school,  and  whose  sentiments 
are  in  perfect  unison  with  those  above  given. 
She  speaks  of  her  teacher  with  all  the  affection 
which  a  child  could  feel  for  a  parent.  Her  words 
are  of  the  following  import  :— 

"  When  I  was  first  placed  under  the  instruction 
of  Miss  Bunting  her  health  was  quite  poor  ;  yet 
neither  the  rain  nor  the  snow  could  prevent  her 
from  coming  to  the  Sabbath  school.  There  I 
was  sure  to  find  her  waiting  to  receive  me.  And 
when  there,  Sabbath  after  Sabbath,  she  would 
point  me  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away 
the  sin  of  the  world,  and  labour  to  impress  my 
mind  that  I  was  not  my  own, — that  I  was  bought 
with  a  price,  even  the  precious  blood  of  Christ* 
3 


34  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

She  would  dwell  upon  the  humiliation,  suffer- 
ings, death,  resurrection,  and  intercession  of 
Christ ;  assuring  me  with  tears  that  these  were 
all  on  my  account,  and  the  blessings  thus  ob- 
tained were  all  for  me.  And  so  truly  had  her 
affectionate  conduct  toward  me  won  my  heart, 
even  before  I  obtained  the  great  salvation,  that 
•when  she  was  absent  from  the  city  I  have  often 
wept  in  the  school,  and  during  service,  because 
I  could  not  see  her.  But  when  I  became  united 
to  Christ  by  faith,  she  was  endeared  to  me  by 
stronger  ties,  and  I  loved  her,  not  only  with  a 
natural  affection,  but  as  the  instrument  of  my 
conversion  to  God. 

"  Not  only  in  the  school  did  she  labour  for 
my  good,  but  often  invited  me  to  her  home, 
where  she  abounded  in  prayers  and  tears  and 
labours  for  my  salvation.  When  my  own  health 
failed,  I  was  with  her  for  days  and  weeks  to- 
gether ;  and  so  tender  was  her  heart,  that  often 
at  night,  when  she  greatly  needed  rest  herself, 
she  has  risen  two  or  three  times  to  administer 
something  for  the  relief  of  my  poor  body,  and 
never  failed  to  impart  consolation  to  my  soul 
at  the  same  time.  She  would  remind  me  of 
that  world  where  the  inhabitants  '  shall  no 
more  say  they  are  sick  ;'  where  '  there  is  no 
more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  pain  ;'  and 
would  exhort  me  to  seek  that  '  holiness,  without 
which  no  man  can  see  the  Lord.'  I  loved  her 
much ;  and  I  would  gladly  take  a  place  at  her 
feet,  that  I  might  be  near  her,  from  an  assurance 
that  she  is  very  near  our  adorable  Advocate  " 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  35 

It  would  be  unnecessary  to  remark  on  the 
foregoing  communications.  They  are  written 
in  plain  and  intelligible  language,  and  describe 
a  character  of  no  ordinary  excellence,  and  yet 
a  character  which  all  may  sustain. 

It  is  among  the  peculiar  blessings  of  God  to 
our  world  at  the  present  day,  that  many  of  our 
youth  are  called  to  labour,  in  various  ways,  for 
the  promotion  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  All 
that  diversity  of  talent  found  among  men  may 
here  be  employed  with  good  effect.  But  there 
is  no  talent  of  so  much  importance  as  that  of 
piety, — true,  deep,  ardent,  scriptural  piety  ; — 
or,  in  other  words,  the  love  of  God  and  man 
filling  the  heart.  It  was  this  intense  affection 
which  secured  to  Miss  Hannah  S.  Bunting  the 
pre-eminent  rank  and  success  she  obtained  as 
a  Sunday  school  teacher.  Loving  God  su- 
premely, she  could  not  but  feel  her  just  respon- 
sibility to  him ;  and  loving  her  fellow  creatures, 
she  could  not  but  be  zealously  devoted  to  their 
best  interests.  .And  hence,  having  received 
charge  of  a  class  of  children  and  youth  to  train 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  and 
to  educate  for  heaven,  she  bore  their  names 
and  their  wants-  continually  upon  her  heart. 
She  was  never  heard  praying  to  be  excused,  or 
offering  the  plea  of  false  modesty  and  a  cold 
heart,  that  "  she  had  not  talents  for  the  work." 
She  knew  that  the  talents  she  had  received, 
whether  great  or  small,  must  be  employed  in  an 
humble  dependence  on  the  grace  of  God.  By 
a  discreet  and  burning  zeal  for  their  good,  she 


36  MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

soon  received  the  confidence  and  affection  of 
her  class,  and  thus  laid  a  foundation  for  mutual 
comfort  and  prosperity.  The  duties  of  the 
school  were  not  regarded  either  by  herself  or 
by  the  class  as  a  task ;  and  hence  they  had 
efficient  motives  for  punctuality  in  reference  to 
the  hours  of  school : — especially  in  regard  to 
herself,  no  ordinary  difficulty  or  objection  could 
keep  her  from  the  post  of  duty.  Nor  did  she 
think  it  enough  to  employ  the  hours  by  rule 
appropriated  to  the  business  of  the  school,  but 
regularly  every  week  called  her  children  toge- 
ther in  her  own  dwelling,  that  she  might  have 
more  time  and  convenient  opportunity  to  in- 
struct them  in  the  nature  and  duties  of  religion. 
Here  she  employed  every  means  in  her  power- 
not  only  instruction  and  exhortation,  but  en- 
treaty, admonition,  and  prayer ;  giving  "  line 
upon  line,  precept  upon  precept ;  here  a  little, 
and  there  a  little."  And  this  course  she  fol- 
lowed as  long  as  her  health  would  permit.  She 
also  followed  the  children  to  their  dwellings, 
and  earnestly  and  affectionately  sought  the  co- 
operation of  their  parents  in  the  great  work  of 
training  them  up  for  heaven. 

Thus  did  this  pious  female  cast  her  bread 
upon  the  waters,  the  fruit  of  which  she  began 
to  see  while  she  remained  in  this  militant  state  ; 
and  more  shall  she  receive  now  that  she  has 
gone  to  join  the  Church  triumphant,  where  the 
labour  of  love  shall  be  abundantly  and  ever- 
lastingly rewarded  in  the  kingdom  of  God. 

In  conclusion  we  would  say  to  the  youthful 


MEMOIR   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  37 

readers  who  are  called  to  labour  in  the  same 
glorious  cause,  "  Go  ye,  and  do  likewise." 
You  bear  the  name  of  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers ; — be  such  in  deed  and  in  truth.  Be 
hearty  and  zealous  in  your  work.  You  have 
received  a  charge  from  God  to  educate  chil- 
dren for  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  But  you 
cannot  save  either  yourselves  or  them  by  a 
cold  and  merely  formal  service.  The  greatest 
and  most  noble  qualification  of  a.  Sunday  school 
teacher  is  love.  Have  you  the  love  of  God 
shed  abroad  in  your  hearts  1  Do  you  love  the 
souls  of  your  fellow  creatures,  especially  the 
children  committed  to  your  care,  with  pure 
hearts  fervently  ?  If  you  do,  your  duties  will 
be  a  delight ;  if  not,  you  may  drag  yourselves 
through  them,  but  your  own  souls  will  be  dry, 
your  classes  barren,  and  little  or  no  fruit  will 
remain  of  all  your  toils.  "  Our  mouth  is  open 
unto  you  :  our  heart  is  enlarged."  Will  you  go 
into  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  ?  Will  you  assist 
in  spreading  the  knowledge  of  salvation  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth  ?  Will  you  help  forward  that 
glorious  reformation  which  is  already  begun  7 
Then  enter  zealously  into  your  Sunday  school 
labours  ;  and,  till  you  can  find  a  better,  take 
Hannah  Syng  Bunting  for  your  model  and  for 
your  exemplar. 

I  cannot  close  this  brief  memoir  without  an 
observation  on  the  importance  of  revealed  reli- 
gion.  Let  this  be  embodied  in  the  lives  and 
experiences  of  sincere  Christians,  and  it  is 
infinitely  amiable.     The  expansion  it  gives  to 


38  MEMOIR  OF   MISS  BUNTING. 

the  mind  ;  the  elevation  it  gives  to  the  thoughts, 
desires,  and  affections ;  and  the  direction  it 
efficiently  gives  to  the  actions  of  life,  are  pecu- 
liarly and  pre-eminently  its  own  ;  and  from 
these  result  usefulness  and  enjoyment  in  the 
superlative*  degree.  But  it  is  not  only  in  the 
labours  and  trials  of  life  that  the  excellences 
of  the  Christian  religion  are  seen,  but  in  death 
also.  Here  its  power  to  support  and  bless  is 
the  most  conspicuous  and  the  most  abundant. 
These  observations  are  all  exemplified  and  illus- 
trated in  the  life  and  death  of  Miss  Bunting.  We 
have  traced  them  in  every  part  of  her  active  life, 
and  are  now  to  witness  their  truth  in  her  last 
moments.  The  following  account  of  her  death 
was  given  by  one  who  knew  her  well,  and  was 
with  her  to  the  last,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  dated 
May  26,  1832,  and  published  in  the  Christian 
Advocate  and  Journal  and  Zion's  Herald  the 
31st  of  August  following  : — 

"  Philadelphia,  May  26,  1832. 
"My  Dear  Sister, — I  have  no  melan- 
choly intelligence  for  you  :  weep  not — but 
raise  .your  heart  to  the  God  of  all  consolation, 
and  expect  all  the  support  you  need,,  while  I 
tell  you  that  our  dearly  loved  Hannah  has  gone 
to  join  the  redeemed  ones  around  the  throne. 
Yes  !  it  is  even  so.  She  triumphed  over  her 
last  enemy  on  Friday,  about  five  o'clock.  The 
summons  came  in  an  unlooked-for  moment, 
but  she  was  fully  prepared  ;  and  no  sooner 
heard  the  welcome  word,  «  Hither  come  up,  thy 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  S9 

work  is  done,'  than  she  flew  with  joyful  haste 
to  meet  her  adorable  Lord.  Her  spirit  with  a 
bound  burst  its  encumbering  clay  ;  it  was  but 
a  momentary  pang.  She  had  told  me  before 
that  she  had  never  presumed  to  ask  for  any 
intimation  of  the  approach  of  death,  and  that 
God  had  sufficient  witnesses  even  if  she  should 
die  alone; — that  she  felt  such  a  sinking  into 
the  will  of  her  heavenly  Father,  she  could  trust 
herself  in  his  hands,  and  felt  no  anxiety  about 
the  termination  of  her  sufferings,  whether  her 
end  should  be  peaceful  or  triumphant,  if  she 
could  only  glorify  God  by  showing  forth  a 
meek  and  quiet  spirit  unto  the  end.  She  said 
it  had  been  her  prayer  with  almost  every  breath 
that  patience  might  have  its  perfect  work.  She 
wished  me,  to  tell  you  not  to  grieve  about  her 
sufferings,  she.  was  so  abundantly  supported  by 
Divine  grace ; — that  the  season  she  had  often 
looked  forward  to  with  dread,  and  the  pangs 
she  had  so  frequently  feared  she  would  sink 
under,  appeared  light,  and  the  way  brightened  : 
the  nearer  she  approached  the  tomb,  the  more 
cheerfully  she  could  welcome  every  presage 
of  her  dissolution. 

"  Her  great  debility  prevented  her  speaking, 
except  in  short  sentences.;  but  they  were  full 
of  meaning.  In  view  of  her  heavenly  inherit- 
ance she  would  exclaim,  '  O  'tis  a  heaven  worth 
dying  for!'  I  am  sensible  she  was  not  con- 
scious the  desired  haven  was  near  :  she  ex- 
pected to  suffer  much  more  ;  and  I  was  waiting 
to  treasure  up  her  dying  words  ;  but  when  the 


40  MEMOIR   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

mandate  came  she  had  not  time  to  say  farewell. 
No  !  she  left  us  without  one  parting  word  ; 
and  when  I  attempt  to  describe  the  closing 
scene,  tears  fall  in  floods  from  my  eyes,  and  I 
scarcely  believe  I  must  say,  it  is  finished. 
About  four  o'clock  she  was  distressed  with 
coughing.  A  friend  who  had  just  called,,  ob- 
served she  was  sorry  to  see  her  suffering :  she 
replied,  '  Do  not  grieve,  but  rather  rejoice.'  I 
prepared  some  medicine  for  her  cough,  but  she 
was  not  able  to  take  it.  I  stood  waiting  be- 
side  her,  and  saw  her  silently  suffering,  and 
asked  her  if  she  began  to  feel  discouraged 
'  because  of  the  way.'  '  O  no,'  said  she,  '  but 
you  have  great  need  of  patience  to  bear  with 
me,'  I  replied,  I  had  nothing  to  bear  but  the 
pain  of  seeing  her  suffer  without  being  able  to 
relieve  her :  she  added,  '  There  is  One  above 
that  can  relieve  me.'  She  in  a  few  moments 
wished  her  position  changed  ;  we  smoothed  her 
pillows  and  she  laid  herself  back  against 
them  ;  when  she  threw  up  her  arms,  and  her 
eyes  became  glazed,  and  the  pallid  hue  of 
death  spread  over  her  features.  I  could  not 
for  a  moment  believe  it  was  death.  I  called 
on  her  name,  but  her  tongue  was  silent,  and  in 
a  few  moments  she  ceased  to  breathe  ;  and 
with  my  own  hand  I  closed  her  eyes  for  their 
long  slumber  in  the  tomb.  The  funeral  was  a 
solemn  season.  Hannah's  final  resting  place 
is  near  that  of  her  dear  sister's,  in  Christ's 
churchyard.  'Tis  a  lovely  spot.  And  though 
the  tolling  bell  and  open  grave  proclaimed  in 


MEMOIR  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  41 

mournful  language  that  death  was  now  the 
victor;  yet  ihe  cheering  words,  'I  am  the 
resurrection  and  the  life,'  &c,  and  «  I  know 
that  my  Redeemer  liveth,'  enabled  us  to  pierce 
the  veil  of  mortality,  and  to  believe  that  because 
Jesus  lives  she  shall  live  also  ;  and  that  we 
should  behold  her  again  in  the  morning  of  the 
resurrection,  clothed  in  shining  garments  near 
her  risen  Lord." 


THE    END. 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  DIARY 

OF 

MISS    HANNAH   SYNG  BUNTING. 


Philadelphia,  Jan.  5,  1818. 

MONDAY    EVENING. 

What  have  I  been  doing  ?  Is  my  heart 
sincere  ?  Almighty  Jehovah !  thou  knowest 
the  intentions  of  the  children  of  men.  If  I  am 
under  a  delusion,  speedily  undeceive  me. 

I  have  this  night  openly  professed  to  be  on 
the  Lord's  side.  Angels  and  men  have  wit- 
nessed my  solemn  vows.  Much  is  now  required 
of  me  :  numerous  obstacles  surround  me. 

"  And  can  a  feeble,  helpless  worm 
Fulfil  a  task  so  hard  ? 
God's  grace  must  all  the  work  perform, 
And  give  the  free  reward." 

Alas !  as  yet  I  knew  not  that  my  peace  is 
made  with  God.  At  seasons  I  am  favoured 
with  tastes  of  a  Saviour's  love,  which  comfort 
and  encourage  me  to  persevere  in  his  ways. 
Sixteen  years  I  have  stopped  to  quench  my 
thirst  at  the  shallow  streams  of  worldly  plea- 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  43 

sure  ;  but  invariably  rose  up  unsatisfied.  My 
eyes  are  now  opened,  and  how  contemptible 
do  my  former  pursuits  after  happiness  appear ! 
"  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus,  my  Lord." 

Jan.  30. — I  ardently  wish  to  redeem  the 
time,  and  give  the  residue  of  my  days  to  God. 
My  youthful  companions  rest  weightily  on  my 
mind ; — would  that  I  could  persuade  them  to 
go  with  me.  The  hearts  of  all  men,  O  God, 
are  in  thy  hands,  and  thou  canst  turn  them  as 
thou  dost  the  rivers  of  water.  Let  converts  be 
multiplied  as  the  drops  of  the  morning. 

March  1. — Have  been  sitting  under  the 
droppings  of  the  sanctuary,  yet  my  heart  is 
cold  and  unbelieving.     I  know 

"  A  word,  a  look,  a  touch  from 'Thee, 
Can  turn  my  darkness  into  day." 

March  8. — When  shall  I  find  Him  of  whom 
Moses  and  the  prophets  wrote  ?  "  O  that  I 
knew  where  I  might  rind  him  1  I  would  come 
unto  him,  and  order  my  cause  before  him,  and 
fill  my  mouth  with  arguments."  I  am  in  the 
slippery  paths  of  youth,  without  the  instruction 
of  pious  parents.  Surely  God  is  my  Father 
I  throw  myself  on  his  mercy. 

•March  10. — I  fear  lest  .my  convictions  are 
not  sufficiently  deep.  O  my  God,  probe  to 
the  bottom  of  my  heart.  I  would  know  the 
worst  of  my  condition,  and  discover  as  much 
of  my  wretchedness  as  I  can  bear.     0  Jesus 


44  DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

take  a  poor  fugitive  into  thy  favour :  shine 
through  the  clouds  of  my  unbelief,  "  fair  as  the 
moon,  and  clear  as  the  sun." 

March  12. — My  mind  is  much  perplexed  : 
I  am  bruised  and  broken.  Rest  by  day  I 
cannot,  and  at  night  I  water  my  couch  with 
tears.     u  A  wounded  spirit  who  can  bear?" 

March  19. — Worldly  comforts  avail  nothing. 
I  am  pierced  through  with  many  sorrows  :  my 
sins  are  ever  before  me.  Help,  Jesus,  for 
none  else  can  release  me. 

March  22. — This  day  is  kept  in  commemo- 
ration of  the  glorious  event  when  Christ  Jesus 
broke  the  bars  of  death,  and  rose  triumphant 
from  the  tomb.  May  my  captive  soul  be  libe- 
rated from  the  iron  bondage  of  sin.  All  my 
abominations  are  set  in  array  against  me  :  I  am 
not  only  vile,  but  helpless. 

April  12. — Attended  public  worship,  and 
heard  an  edifying  discourse  from  Mr.  Martin- 
dale.  He  warned  empty  professors  of  their 
critical  situation.     Am  I  such  a  character  ? 

"  When  I  cast  my  eyes  within, 

O  how  dark,  and  vain,  and  wild  I 

Prone  to  unbelief  and  sin, 
Can  I  deem  myself  a  child  ? 

If  I  ne'er  find  the  sacred  road, 

I'll  perish  crying  out  for  God." 

April  19. — I  have  been  up  to  God's  sanc- 
tuary : — was  present  at  the  ordination  of  the 
ciders.  It  was  a  solemn  sight  to  see  men  de- 
voting their  lives  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  May 


DIARY   OF   MISS   BUNTING.  45 

those    ambassadors    of  Christ    do   indeed  the 
work  of  evangelists. 

May  3. — Witnessed  the  administration  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.  O  when  will  the  happy 
time  come  when  I  can  with  confidence  approach 
my  Father's  table  1 

May  21. — Nothing  but  the  application  of  a 
Saviour's  blood  can  ease  my  aching  heart. 

July  5. — Wishing  to  fulfil  all  righteousness, 
I  ventured  to  my  Master's  table.  I  felt  a 
trembling  awe,  knowing  that  some  had  eaten 
and  drunk  unworthily.  I  think  I  am  sincere 
in  my  efforts  to  reform.  Christ  is  my  only 
hope  :  I  would  take  shelter  under  his  wings 
from  the  monster  sin,  which  is  ready  to  de- 
vour me. 

Crossivicks.  Aug.  18,  1819. — Shame  covers 
me,  for  so  often  deviating  from  the  path  of 
rectitude.  Lord,  break  down  my  stubborn  will, 
and  let  me  bear  the  image  of  my  Divine 
Master.  I  have  had  some  precious  views  of 
late,  of  the  all-sufficiency  of  Christ  to  save.  I 
know  he  tasted  death  for  every  man.  I  am 
led  to  hope  that  He,  whom  I  have  so  loog 
sought,  will  suddenly  come  into  his  temple. 

Aug.  26. — I  am  convinced  that  earthly  good 
can  never  fill  an  immortal  mind.  My  soul  is 
sick  of  sin  ; — the  cup  of  repentance  is  very 
bitter.  I  ask  power  to  drink  it  to  the  bottom. 
as  I  know  it  is  mixed  by  the  hand  of  the  most 
skilful  Physician.  I  have  a  portion  of  that  spi- 
rit which  Jacob  possessed  when  he  said,  ,;  I  will 
not  let  thee  go,  unless  thou  bless  me." 


46  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Aug.  30. — I  still  find  trouble  and  heaviness  ; 
but  in  my  distress  I  will  cry  unto  God,  who 
can  bring  light  out  of  darkness,  ahd  cause  the 
deepest  sorrow  to  issue  in  the  highest  joy. 

Sept.  2. — Satan  is  doing  his  utmost  to  de- 
stroy me.  I  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  deliver 
me.  I  am  oppressed  with  an  intolerable  load 
of  guilt.  Surely  Jesus  is  my  advocate  above  : 
I  will  take  courage,  and  look  to  him,  that  my 
enemy  may  be  conquered. 

Sept.  13. — My  conscience  accuses  me  of 
ingratitude  to  that  Friend  who,  of  all  others,  I 
should  love  and  adore.  Hasten  the  time,  O 
my  Lord,  when  I  shall  have  Christ  formed  in 
my  heart  the  hope  of  eternal  glory.  Truly  my 
soul  waiteth  for  this  as  the  watchman  for  the 
morning.  I  would  even  cultivate  a  deep  sense 
of  my  wants  ;  but  despondency  I  wish  to  guard 
against.  Although  I  am  a  great  sinner,  Christ 
is  a  great  Saviour  :  I  will  venture  on  his  mercy, 
and  expect  him  to  pour  down  upon  me  such  a 
blessing  as  I  need. 

Sept.  25. — Two  years  I  have  gone  with  my 
head  bowed  like  a  bulrush.  I  have  sought  for 
rest  in  all  the  appointed  means,  but  found  not 
such  as  my  soul  desired.  .  My  mind  has  been 
somewhat  prejudiced  against  camp  meetings  ; 
yet  a  kind  Providence  directed  me  to  one  held 
near  Pennington,  New- Jersey.  At  a  prayer 
meeting  on  Sabbath  evening,  the  19th  of 
this  month,  the  presence  of  the  great  Eternal 
was  very  manifest ; — many  cried  aloud  for 
mercy ;  others  shouted   the    high   praises   of 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  47 

God  ;  but  I,  being  in  heaviness,  felt  dissatisfied 
with  what  I  saw  ;  concluding  in  my  own  mind 
that  all  was  confusion  and  enthusiasm.  My 
stubborn  heart  scorned  to  think  of  kneeling 
among  those  who  were  seeking  the  Lord,  lest 
I  should  be  noticed ;  yet  upon  reflecting  that  I 
had  openly  professed  to  be  on  the  Lord's  side, 
and  my  internal  anguish  being  too  great  to 
bear,  I  fell  on  my  knees,  not  intending  to  dis. 
cover  my  emotion ;  but  my.  proud  purposes 
were  soon  defeated :  a  long-suffering  Jesus 
delivered  me  from  the  snare  of  Satan.  Many 
hours  I  continued  in  an  agony  never  before  ex- 
perienced. He  who  "hears  prayer"  listened  to 
my  mournful  cry.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  morning 
the  Sun  of  righteousness  arose  with  healing  in 
his  wings.  My  dungeon  shook,  my  chains  fell 
off,  and  I  cried,  "  Glory  to.  God."  I  was  filled 
with  unutterable  joy.  "  0  !"  said  I, 
"  If  all  the  world  my  Jesus  knew, 
All  the' world  would  love  him  too." 
I  would  not  part  with  the  assurance  I  now  pos- 
sess, that  God  is  my  reconciled  Father,  for 
ten  thousand  worlds. 

Sept.  13,  1820. — The  candle  of  the  Lord 
shines  bright  on  my  path.  I  have  again  been 
worshipping  in  the  consecrated  grove.  How 
pleasant  to  be  a  week  free  from  the  cares  of 
this  busy  world.  To  me  it  appears  to  resemble 
that  happy  region, 

"  Where  congregations  ne'er  break  up, 
And  Sabbaths  never  end." 

Last  summer  my  cup  was  filled  ;  now  I  want 


48  DIAHY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

it  well  shaken  together.  What  I  have  hitherto 
experienced  I  am  aware  is  but  a  drop  from  the 
ocean  of  redeeming  mercy. 

Aug.  7,  1821. — Another  six  days'  work  is 
accomplished.  On  the  morrow,  if  spared  to 
see  it,  may  I  be  in  the  spirit.  Without  his 
sacred  influence  my  devotions  will  be  as  a  dry 
leaf.  I  mourn  that  my  mind  is  wavering,  tossed 
with  every  wind  of  doctrine.  Jesus,  "  pity  my 
unsettled  soul;  make  me  steadfast  in  the 
faith."  Suffer  not  the  powers  of  darkness  to 
triumph  over  me  :  leave  me  not  to  my  own  un- 
derstanding ;  but  guide  me  in  the  way  ever 
lasting. 

August  8, 

"  How  sweet  a  Sabbath  thus  to  spend, 
In  hope  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  end." 

O  the  privilege  of  meeting  the  dear  children 
of  God  at  our  Father's  table  !  I  do  not  go  to 
the  sacrament  to  tell  Christ  how  good  I  am,  but 
to  think  how  good  he  is  to  receive  and  pardon 
so  great  a  rebel. 

August  12. 

"  Lord,  if  so  poor  a  worm  as  I 
Can  to  thy  great  glory  live," 

make  me  the  instrument  of  persuading  some 
of  my  youthful  charge  in  the  Sunday  school  to 
turn  from  their  evil  ways  and  live. 

Aug.  19. — What  a  feast  to  retire  a  few  mo- 
ments from  the  crowd,  and  hold  communion 
with  the  Most  High.  Soon  will  the  dream  of 
life  be  ended.     This  makes  me  cry  out, 


DIAEY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  49 

"  I  cannot,  I  cannot  forbear 

Thoss  passionate  longings  for  home  ; 
O  when  shall  my  spirit  be  there, 
O  when  will  the  messenger  came .'" 

Aug.  20. — My  nature  does  not  like  fasting, 
but  my  soul  on  those  occasions  banquets  on  the 
love  of  God.  In  my  life  there  is  not  that  sta- 
bility that  is  attainable.  Now  is  the  time  for  a 
total  separation  from  the  world.  Nature  and 
grace  struggle  in  my  breast.  Get  thyself  the 
victory,  O  my  Lord. 

"  Strange  flames  far  from  my  heart  remove, 
Let  every  thought,  word,  act,  be  love.,s 

Aug.  25. — What  conflicts  with  self  do  I 
daily  endure  ! 

"  No  cross,  no  suffering  I  decline, 
Only  let  all  my  heart  be  thine." 

It  requires  no  small  degree  of  grace  to  be  a 
Christian  throughout. 

Aug.  28. — At  prayer  meeting  this  evening  I 
was  much  blessed,  and  could  scarcely  refrain 
from  crying  out,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est."    I  truly  experienced  that  I  am  his  child. 

Aug.  29. — A  day  of  peace  and  comfort  to 
my  soul. 

Aug.  30. — I  want  that  power  of  love  to 
God  and  man  that  will  never  fail.  I  cannot 
bear  the  idea  of  going  to  heaven  alone.  I  la- 
ment the  infatuation  of  my  fellow  creatures. 
They  are  bartering  their  immortal  souls  for 
bubbles  light  as  air. 

Sept.  3. — How  the  sight  of  my  own  deformity 
4 


50  DIASY    OF   MISS    ETJNTIXG. 

makes  me  shudder.  I  shrink  into  nothing  at 
the  appearance  of  my  inward  -corruptions. 

Sept.  20. — God's  judgments  are  unsearch- 
able, and  his  ways  past  rinding  out.  I  am  led 
to  wonder  and  adore  that  train  of  providences 
(though  some  have  appeared  dark)  which  has 
brought  sister  K,,  cousin  H.,  and  myself  to 
dwell  under  the  -same  roof.  May  these  unex- 
pected favours  lead  me  to  a  closer  walk  with 
Him  who  has  provided  them.  Spread,  O  Lord, 
thy  banner  of  love  over  us,  and  shield  from  all 
impending  harm.  Enable  us  and  our  house- 
hold to  give  thee  an  unreserved  service. 
Though  we  are  members  of  different  denomi- 
nations, may  it  be  said,  "  See  how  these  Chris- 
tians Zot-e." 

July  20,  1822. — Spent  some  time  con- 
versing with  my  dear  devoted  cousin,  Daniel 
Ellis,  on  the  blessed  subject  of  entire  sanctifi- 
cation  ;  which  of  all  others  most  interests  me. 
It  is  his  opinion,  that  if  I  read  Mr.  Fletcher's 
address  to  imperfect  believers  with  prayer  and 
faith,  I  shall  obtain  the  desire  of  my  heart. 

July  29. — Being  alone  I  spent  the  afternoon 
in  spreading  my  case  before  the  Most  High, 
and  finished  reading  the  above-mentioned  ad- 
dress. My  mind  is  much  enlightened,  and  my 
views  of  this  state  Clearer.  I  have  long  and 
ardently  sought,  but  not  found.  My  prayer  to 
the  great  Author  of  this  good  and  perfect  gift 
is,  that  he  would  cleanse  me  from  all  sin. 

July  30. — I  could  scarcely  sleep  through 
the  night?  my  soul   so  panted  for  the  carnal 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  51 

mind  to  be  destroyed.  In  this  frame  I  wen 
to  a  sunrise  meeting,  where  my  desires  for  this 
were  increased.  On  my  return  I  retired  to 
prostrate  myself  before  God.  Where  shall  my 
wondering  soul  begin  to  praise  the  riches  of  his 
grace  1  Glory  for  ever, — glory  to  the  name 
of  Jesus; — he  met  me  and  gave  me  to  feel 
and  know  that  I  was  "  clean  through  the  word 
he  had  spoken."  For  some  time  I  was  lost  to 
earthly  things,  and  sweetly  filled  with  a  sense 
of  the  awful  presence  of  Jehovah. 

"  Let  me  no  more  in  deep  complaint, 
!  My  leanness,  O  my  leanness,'  cry." 

Aug.  6. — I  asked  one  whom  I  judged  to  be 
an  experienced  Christian,  and  in  whom  I  placed 
the  utmost  confidence,  if  she  considered  it  ex- 
pedient  openly  to  profess  the  blessing  of  sanc- 
tification.  It  was  her  opinion  that  it  was  safer 
to  remain  silent,  as  numbers  had  through  un- 
faithfulness lost  it,  and  thereby  dishonoured  the 
cause.  Alas  !  by  a  false  humility,  and  distrust 
of  the  power  of  God,  I  have  forfeited  this 
inestimable,  gift. 

Elkton,  October. — My  mind  during  this 
trying  journey  has  been  in  a  good  degree 
stayed  on  God.  My  gratitude  should  know 
no  bounds,  that  I  find  my  beloved  father  still 
alive.  Magnifv  thy  mercy  toward  him,  O  mv 
Lord! 

This  morning  under  a  trial  I  was  strength- 
ened by  reading  the  sixth  chapter  of  Daniel. 
Who    is  a  God  like  unto  our  God  ?     I  have 


52  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

found  his  grace  suited  to  every  situation  and 
condition  of  my  life.  My  dear  parent  has  so 
far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  return  to  Phila- 
delphia, where,  with  my  dear  sister  and  myself, 
he  will  be  at  home. 

April  7,  1823. — Since  I  last  wrote,  my  poor 
father  has  been  gradually  sinking  toward  the 
silent  grave.  Yesterday  I  was  much  alarmed 
by  seeing  him  attacked  with  violent  spasms 
and  pain ;  but  his  mental  sufferings  far  sur- 
passed those  of  his  body.  Mr.  Burch  and  Mr. 
Bateman  visited  him  this  afternoon,  and  were 
affected  by  his  fervent  cries  for  mercy.  They 
left  him  bathed  in  tears  of  humble  contrition. 
The  idea  of  his  leaving  the  shores  of  time 
without  a  fitness  for  his  passage,  is  very  pain- 
ful ;  yea,  I  fear  more  than  I  can  bear. 

April  29. — To-day  my  dear  parent  has  tossed 
to  and  fro  on  his  pillow  with  internal  anguish. 
Fortunately  Mr.  Burch  called,  and  conversed, 
and  prayed  with  him.  After  he  was  gone,  my 
father  lay  very  composedly,  and  told  me  he 
felt  his  mind  comforted.  Bless  God  for  this 
little  ray  of  Divine  light. 

Sunday,  4. — Passed  this  day  in  deep  anxiety. 
My  father  cannot  linger  long  on  these  mortal 
shores.  I  have  been  often  at  the  mercy  seat. 
Cousin  Ashby  Wiggins,  who  engaged  in  prayer 
for  him,  appeared  to  get  into  the  presence 
chamber  of  the  Deity. 

Monday,  5. — My  poor  father  says  tha't  mercy 
is  his  only  plea :  he  tells  me  he  does  not  pass 
an  hour  without  prayer  to  God.     Mr.  Allen 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  53 

and  Mrs.  Latimer  were  with  him  this  morning. 
May  their  conversation  be  sanctified  for  his 
good. 

Monday,  12. — I  never  knew  so  fully  the 
value  of  religion  as  ?iow.  The  scripture  has 
been  verified  to  me  of  late,  which  teaches  that 
when  afflictions  abound,  consolations  do  also 
much  more  abound.  True,  the  anguish  of 
paiting  with  an  only  parent,  so  dear  to  my 
heart,  was  very  keen,  and  such  as  no  tongue 
can  tell,  or  imagination  paint.  Nature  could 
not  have  sustained  the  shock,  but  for  the  sup- 
ports  of  grace,  and  a  strong  hope  that  the  prayer 
of  faith  had  availed  with  God.  Need  I  weep 
that  he  has  dropped  a  body  of  pain  and  suffer- 
ing, and  left  a  world  of  grief  and  sin,  to  be 
welcomed  by  angelic  beings  into  that  happy 
countiy,  where  the  inhabitants  shall  not  say,  I 
am  sick. 

Thursday,  15. — God  alone  shall  fill  the 
aching  void  occasioned  by  my  late  painful 
bereavement.  Cheering  reflection, — I  have 
one  whom  I  can  still  call  by  the  endeared 
name  of  Father.  Yes !  he  will  walk  with 
me  in  the  dreadful  hour  of  dissolution.  Death 
hath  no  power  to  sever  me  from  him,  but  will 
rather  bring  me  to  the  complete  enjoyment  of 
his  immediate  presence. 

"  O  what  a  mighty  change 

Shall  Jesus'  followers  know, 
While  o'er  the  happy  plains  they  range, 
Incapable  of  wo  1" 


54  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Saturday,  17. — I  had  for  seven  months  the 
mournful  satisfaction  of  attending  my  father, 
and  performing  the  last  sad  offices  of  filial  af- 
fection. Grant,  almighty  God,  that  this  severe 
stroke,  and  every  other  wave  of  trouble,  may 
waft  my  little  bark  nearer  the  port  of  bliss,  I 
feel  satisfied  that  the  Lord  is  "watching  over 
me,  and  that  he  does  not  willingly  afflict  or 
grieve  his  children. 

September  14. — I  have  just  returned  from 
Crosswicks  camp  meeting.  My  ceaseless  cry 
to  God  was,  while  there,  that  he  would  "  pity 
my  unsettled  soul."  Alas!  I  too  often  suffer 
the  things  of  this  world  to  have  my  first  con- 
cern. O  !  my  Lord,  urge  me  to  follow  on,  un- 
til I  "  steadfastly  believe,"  and  am  made  "  every 
whit  whole." 

"  For  this  I  '11  strive,  for  this  I  '11  pray, 
For  this  I  '11  wrestle  night  and  day." 

Nov.  18. — For  some  weeks  I  have  been  de- 
tained from  the  public* means  of  grace  by  indis- 
position, caused  by  a  tumour  on  my  head.  Dr, 
Phisick  thinks  I  must  submit  to  an  operation 
before  my  health  can  be  restored.  My  Lord, 
if  it  is  thy  will  I  cheerfully  acquiesce.  I  ask 
neither  ease  nor  pain,  but  thy  grace,  the  few 
days  and  nights  I  may  yet  remain  a  sufferer 
in  this  world.  The  prospect  I  have  of  joining 
the  redeemed  on  high  in  one  eternal  song  of 
praise,  cheers  my  darkest  hours. 

January  11,  1824. — "And  now,  my  soul, 
another  year  of  thy  short  life  is  gone"  with 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BtJNTlXG;  55 

those  beyond  the  flood.  Multiplied  indeed  are 
my  causes  of  praise,  love,  and  devotedness  of 
heart  to  God.  I  am  bound  to  thank  him  for  a 
restoration'  to  health*  Six  years  I  have  been 
preserved  from  wilful  transgression  ;  while  too 
many,  who  bid  much  fairer  to  obtain  the  king- 
dom,  have  made  shipwreck  of  their  faith.  I  am 
much  dissatisfied  with  my  present  attainments; 
I  should  ere  this  have  obtained  perfect  sound: 
ness,  and  been  found  walking  in  the  narrowest 
path  in  the  narrow  ivay.  I  begin  this  year  with 
new  resolutions.  I  have  long  set  apart  Friday 
as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  I  intend  to  be1 
more  diligent  in  the  use  of  this,  and  every  other 
means, 

'•'  Until  I  gain  perfection's  height, 
The  depth  of  humble  love." 

February  1.  Sabbath  evening. — For  months 
I  have  prayed  for  a  greater  discovery  of  my  in- 
ward corruptions.  God  heard  and  granted  me 
such  a  sight  of  my  natural  depravity,  as  almost 
drove  me  to  despair.  The  load  for  some  days 
was  intolerable :  God  only  knew  my  inward 
suffering.  I  groaned,  being  burdened.  This 
morning  I  queried  in  my  mind  whether  it  would 
not  be  presumption  in  me  to  approach  the  table 
of  a  holy  God.  While  I  hesitated,  those  words 
were  sweetly  applied,  '"  Cast  thy  burden  upon 
^;he  Lord,  and  he  will  sustain  thee  :"  since 
which  I  have  felt  a  peace  unknown  before. 

Feb.  13. — I  am  ready  to  conclude,  from  my 
present  enjoyment,  that  I  am  no'  longer  under 


56  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

the  dominion  of  inbred  sin  ;  but  I  do  not  as 
yet  possess  the  direct  and  abiding  witness,  such 
as  removes  all  doubt  and  fear.  Nothing  less 
than  such  an  evidence  can  satisfy  the  immense 
desire  of  my  soul.  O  when  shall  I  reach  the 
object  of  my  wishes  ! 

Feb.  15. — Heard  this  evening  of  the  death 
of  a  dear  Christian  friend,  who  joined  class 
soon  after  I  did,  and  with  whom  I  took  sweet 
counsel,  and  walked  to  the  house  of  God  in 
company.  She  had  much  more  the  appearance 
of  health  and  length  of  days  than  myself;  yet 
I  am  left. 

"  Not  greatly  to  discern,  not  much  to  know, 
Mankind  were  born  to  wonder  and  adore." 

March  7. — Since  my  last  date  I  have  felt 
my  desires  after  purity  of  heart  and  entire  holi- 
ness of  life  much  increased.  My  views  of 
sanctification  are  so  high,  that  I  seem  scarcely 
at  the  threshold. 

March  25. — A  memorable  day.  It  only 
seems  necessary  to  ask  and  receive.  The 
comforts  of  the  Holy  Ghost  are  neither  few  nor 
small ;  but  I  am  taught  the  necessity  of  con- 
stant watchfulness. 

March  28. — Another  week  nearer  my  eter- 
nal, happy  home.  "  Fly  swiftly  round,  ye 
wheels  of  time."  I  long  to  quit  this  vale  of 
tears,  and  join  with  the  myriads  above  in  a 
song  of  praise  that  will  never  end.  The  ser- 
mons I  have  heard  of  late  fill  me  with  grati- 
tude ;  yet  I  am  astonished  at  myself  and  others, 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  57 

that  we  are  not  more  holy.  All  other  objects 
sink  into  nothing  compared  with  this  one.  I 
long  to  prove  the  utmost  power  of  transforming 
grace. 

April  2.  Friday  evening. — My  body  has 
suffered  from  weakness  to-day,  occasioned  by 
fasting  ;  but  my  soul  is  happy  in  God.  Visit- 
ing the  sick  with  dear  Mrs.  Wilkinson,  a  mother 
in  Israel,  proved  a  precious  season.  This  even- 
ing heard  Mr.  Lindsey,  from  "  Verily,  verily,  I 
say  unto  you,  Ask  what  ye  will  in  my  name, 
and  it  shall  be  given  you."  I  felt  much  of  the 
Divine  presence.  Should  the  Lord  say  to  me 
this  moment,  "  What  is  thy  petition  ?"  I  would 
quickly  answer,  "  Give  me  holiness."     Yes, — 

"  I  feel  a  pleasing  smart, 
The  meltings  of  a  broken  heart." 

April  3. — Every  day  unfolds  new  beauties 
and  a  greater  loveliness  in  the  religion  of  a 
compassionate  Saviour.  I  feel  it  is  not  a  "  cun- 
ningly devised  fable." 

April  4.  Sunday  morning. — On  my  knees, 
great  God,  I  covenant  afresh  to  be  thine,  and 
only  thine.  Go  with  me  to  thy  table,  and 
cause  thy  dying  love  to  melt  and  purify  my 
heart.  Several  of  my  Christian  friends  have 
stepped  into  the  "  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God." 
O  !  that  I  could  record  at  the  close  of  this  day 
that  the  bitter  root  of  sin  is  wholly  extracted. 
The  corruption  of  my  nature  causes  me  more 
misery  than  any  outward  trial  I  ever    expe- 


58  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUSTING. 

rienced.*  Evening.— ^Heard  Mr.  Pease  from) 
"  My  presence  shall  go  with  thee^"  Lord,  be 
thou  my  leader  and  friend  in  every  step  ot'  my 
way.  through  this  hostile  world.  I  cannot 
testify  that  I  have  obtained  the  pearl  I  so  much 
long  for;  but  at  the  pool  I  wait  until  the  trou- 
bling of  the  waters.  My  God  only  knows  the 
cause  of  my  feelings.  I  am  like  Noah's  dove 
which  could  not  find  rest  for  the  soleof  her  foot. 

"  Jesus,  the  hinderance  show, 
Which  I  have  fear'd  to  see  ;" 

and  if  I  am  seeking  by  the  works  of  the  law, 
undeceive  me  speedily. 

*  The  reader  will  have  occasion  to  notice  in  several 
places  in  the  following  diary,  as  well  as  in  this,  that 
Miss  Banting  speaks  of  the  "  corruption  of  her  na- 
ture" after  professing  sanctification.  This  is  not  ac- 
cording to  strict  theological  propriety.  In  some  cases 
she  appears  to  use  this  strong  expression,  "  Corrup- 
tion of  nature,"  or  the  like,  for  those  infirmities  which 
will  be  found  to  consist  with  freedom  from  moral  cor- 
ruption. It  is  not  certain,  however,  that  she  had  at 
this  period  obtained  entire  sanctification.  That  she  had 
had  a  view  of  the  blessing  as  offered  in  the  Gospel, 
and  some  special'  manifestations  of  the  love  of  God, 
while  her  soul  was  drawn  out  for  it,  is  quite  clear. 
And  it  is  quite  -natural,  and  somewhat  common  for 
those  who  are  earnestly  seeking  full  sanctification,  to 
take  the  suspension  of  the  motions  of  inbred  sin  for 
deliverance  from  it.  This  was  probably  her  state  at 
this  time.  But  in  the  progress  of  the  work  of  grace, 
she  obtained  the  abiding  witness  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
that  the  blood  of  Christ  had  cleansed  her  from  all 
moral  pollution  ;  and,  under  this  influence,  all  the 
fruits  of  the  Spirit  were  matured  in  her  breast  for  a 
considerable  time  before  her  death. 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  59 

April  25. -r-My  continual  cry  is, 

*  Show  me  the  way  I  have  not  known, — 
The  heaven  of  loving  .thee  ajone." 

Surely  God  is  the  only  object  worthy  of  my  ado- 
ration !  Often  I  detect  my  wayward  heart  dwell- 
ing  on  forbidden  objects.  Heavenly  Power' 
strike  a  death  blow  to  all  the  vain  imaginations 
and  evil  tempers  that  lurk  within,  and  let  me 
know  thee  in  the  complete  destruction  of  all 
my  spiritual  foes.  This  inconstant  world  never 
possessed  fewer  charms.  True,  I  have  every 
earthly  comfort  that  I  can  ask ;  but  without  a 
sense  of  the  presence  of  my  Lord,  I  never  know 
a  joyful  hour. — Parted  with  my  dear  cousin 
Lydia,  which  was  keenly  felt.  I  long  for  that 
country,  where  parting  with  near  and  dear 
friends  is  no  more. 

May  2. — Aid  me,  holy  Father,  in  the  im- 
portant duty  of  self-examination.  Upon  a 
review  of  this  day,  I  perceive  my  negligence. 
While  hearing  Mr.  Summerfield  preach  from 
"  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  :— they  shall 
prosper  that  love  thee;"  I  determined  to  be 
more  diligent  and  fervent  in  my  approaches  to 
the  mercy  seat.  Alas!. on  my  return  I  found 
my  kindling  ardours  die.  How  much  is  still 
within  me  contrary  to  pure  love  !  O,  my  God, 
I  know  not  what  to  do,  but  my  eye  is  fixed  on 
thee! 

May  18. — The  chief  object  I  have  in  view 
is,  with  Divine  aid,  to  make  religion  the  prin- 
cipal business  of  my  life.  I  am  convinced 
very  little   else   is  worth  a  serious   thought. 


60  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Daily  occurrences  remind  me  of  the  uncer- 
tainty of  all  that  is  earthly.  My  beloved  friend 
and  counsellor,  Theodosia  Petherbridge,  has 
found  the  rest  I  still  toil  to  find,  and  is  landed 
in  the  arms  of  that  God  she  so  faithfully  served. 

0  that  I  could  follow  her  as  she  followed 
Christ !  Why  I  live  is  a  mystery  ;  so  unfit  to 
act  my  part  as  a  useful  member  in  the  Church. 
If  I  cannot  do  good,  my  aim  shall  be  to  do  no 
harm.  Should  not  the  death  of  one  and  an- 
other of  my  friends  give  fresh  vigour  to  my 
soul,  make  life  less  pleasant,  and  heaven  more 
desirable  ! 

June  18. — Upon  the  broad  and  immovable 
Rock,  Christ  Jesus,  I  build  all  my  hopes  of 
present  and  future  happiness. 

"  How  can  I  sink  with  such  a  prop, 

Who  bears  the  world  and  all  things  up  ?" 

June  20. — I  possess  a  confidence  that  my 
treasure  is  in  heaven.  When  I  bear  the  cross 
of  my  Master,  hard  things  become  easy,  and 
rough  places  smooth.  I  had  infinite  sweetness 
in  communion  with  my  Saviour ; — believe  he 
is  preparing  me  to  change  worlds.  May  I  be 
found  in  a  waiting  posture,  ready  to  clap  my 
glad  wings  and  soar  away. 

June  25. — My  grand  adversary  has  been 
doing  his  utmost  to  entangle  my  weak  mind 
with  vain  speculations.  At  such  seasons  I  en- 
deavour to  cast  my  burden  on  the  Lord :  then 

1  can  rest  satisfied,  nay,  pleased  to  wait,  until 
my  faith  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  vision. 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  61 

June  27. — Prostrate,  and  with  my  mouth  in 
the  dust,  would  I  adore  my  Father  and  God, 
for  the  love,  joy,  peace,  and  strength  I  now 
possess  in  him. 

July  11. — Still  feel  bound  for  the  kingdom 
of  immortal  blessedness,  and  enjoy  an  unusual 
calm,  notwithstanding  the  cares  of  life  are 
more  numerous  than  usual  ; — feel  I  need  some- 
thing more  than  this  empty  world  can  afford,  to 
raise  me  above  the  melancholy  of  my  natural 
disposition.  Numerous  indeed  are  my  spi- 
ritual enemies  :  let  me  speedily  know  thee, 
Lord,  in  their  entire  destruction.  The  rod  of 
pain  has  been  laid  on  me  of  late,  but  it  has 
proved  as  a  spur  to  deeper  engaged  ness. 

July  12. — Much  benefited  by  the  company 
of  dear  Ann  Truman,  who  has  lately  obtained 
the  witness  of  perfect  love.  I  listened  with 
eagerness  to  her  simple,  but  clear  relation  of 
the  way  by  which  she  was  put  into  the  pos- 
session of  this  pearl.  Every  power  of  my  soul 
and  body  is  on  stretch  for  this  greatest  of  all 
gifts. 

July  15. — How  few  holy  tempers  dwell  in 
my  breast !  Were  I  clothed  with  the  righteous- 
ness of  Christ,  my  prayers  would  avail  much. 
My  lukewarmness  and  coldness  often  bar  hea- 
ven against  me.  O  that  I  might  from  this 
hour  stir  up  the  gift  of  God  within  me,  and  that 
the  evidence  of  my  being  wholly  the  Lord's  may 
grow  brighter  every  day ;  and  may  I  stretch  for- 
ward, through  sunshine  and  darkness,  toward  the 
mark  for  the  prize  of  entire  devotedness  to  God. 


62  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

July  29. — I  shall  be  much  exposed  this 
afternoon.  I  tremble  lest  the  fear  of  man 
should  bring  a  snare.  Lord,  all  my  help  must 
come  from  thee ;  for  "  what  can  earth  and 
ashes  do  ?"  Reading  a  sermon  of  Mr.  Wesley's 
from,  "  We  know  in  part,"  silenced  many  of 
Satan's  subtle  reasonings  in  my  breast.  My 
Father,  God, — 

"  Lift  up  thy  countenance  serene, 
And  let  thy  happy  child 
Behold,  without  a  cloud  between, 
The  Godhead  reconciled." 

I  feel  an  unusual  panting  after  the  whole 
image  and  full  enjoyment  of  God.  Nothing 
can  hinder  this  work  while  the  arm  of  Jehovah 
is  on  my  side.  I  put  myself  under  his  almighty 
protection,  and  ardently  pray  to  be  settled  and 
established  in  the  faith. 

Aug.  14. — My  heart  is  quite  melted  with 
the  goodness  of  God.  I  rejoice  that  my  eyes 
were  ever  blessed  with  beholding  such  won- 
derful  displays  of  Divine  power  as  were  mani- 
fested in  the  silent  grove.  Had  I  an  angel's 
tongue,  I  could  not  fully  paint  the  amazing 
works  of  the  Almighty.  I  went  to  this  meet- 
ing with  a  thirst  to  know  more  of  God,  Satan 
used  his  utmost  skill  to  depress  me.  For  some 
dajrs  he  was  too  successful.  So  great  was  tlv.3 
view  I  had  of  my  polluted  nature,  that  I  almost 
lost  the  clear  evidence  I  before  had  of  justifi- 
cation. With  a  sad  heart  I  took  my  seat  in 
the  congregation  to  hear  Jacob  Moore  preach. 
Xlis  text  was  Rom.  viii,  16,  «  The  Spirit  itself 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  63 

beareth  witness  with  our  spirits,  that  we  are  the 
children  of  God,"  &c.  I  wept  freely,  and  be- 
fore he  concluded  his  sermon  I  regained  my 
former  peace.  With  this  blessing  in  one  hand, 
I  reached  with  the  other  for  full  redemption. 

On  Sunday  afternoon  Dr.  Dunn  spoke  from 
1  Thess.  v,  23,  "  And  the  very  God  of  peace 
sanctify  you  wholly,"  &c.  The  benches  being 
wet,  owing  to  a  shower  of  rain,  I  was  under  the 
necessity  of  remaining  in  the  tent.  I  feared 
that  the  passing  and  repassing  of  the  people 
would  dissipate  my  mind  ;  but  my  whole  soul 
was  absorbed  in  the  subject,  and  it  did  not  dis- 
turb me.  On  Monday  at  eight  o'clock,  a  love- 
feast  was  held.  Such  testimonies  I  scarcely 
ever  heard.  After  sermon  the  sacrament  was 
administered.  Solemnity  sat  on  every  coun- 
tenance. In  the  afternoon  Dr.  Dunn  addressed 
us  from  John  vii,  37,  "In  the  last  day,  that 
great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood,  and  cried, 
saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto 
me  and  drink."  I  panted  as  the  hunted  roe 
for  the  cooling  water  brook.  It  appeared  as 
though  my  heart  would  break  with  desire.  He 
told  us  that  faith  was  simply  taking  God  at  his 
word,  and  directed  us  to  lay  hold  on  the  pro- 
mises, and  draw  from  the  well  of  salvation,  en. 
tire]y  emptying  ourselves  of  self-righteousness, 
that  we  might  be  rilled  with  the  Spirit,  the 
living  water  in  the  text.  I  followed  him  with 
almost  breathless  expectation,  sitting  motion- 
jess,  and  feeling  an  $'  awe  that  dared  not  move." 
Satan  suggested  many  obstacles,  such  as,  "I** 


64  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

you  obtain  the  blessing  of  sanctification,  you 
will  soon  lose  it,  and  thereby  dishonour  God  ," 
with  many  others,  too  numerous  to  mention. 
But  I  was  not  to  be  defeated  by  his  artful  in- 
sinuations. At  this  juncture  these  words  were 
forcibly  applied,  "  Believe  that  you  receive 
them,  and  ye  shall  have  them." 

With  a  mighty  effort  of  faith  I  resolved  in 
hope  against  hope,  self-desperate,  to  believe, 
and  leave  the  event  with  God.  Immediately 
heaven. born  peace  and  love  took  possession  of 
my  breast,  and  with  the  poet  I  cried, — 

"  Exults  my  rising  soul, 
Disburden'd  of  her  load, 
And  swells  unutterably  full 
Of  glory  and  of  God."* 

The  testimony  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was  still 
as  the  midnight  hour,  but  clear  as  the  noonday 
sun.  The  First  Epistle  of  John  iii,  20-24, 
was  powerfully  applied  to  my  case.  On  my 
way  home  the  enemy  again  met  me,  and  in- 
jected  a  variety  of  painful  temptations,  such  as, 
"  You  are  going  back  to  an  alluring  world,  and 
must  face  various  trials.  You  cannot  stand 
long  :  even  professors  of  religion  will  watch 
over  you  for  evil,"  &c.  This,  with  a  deep 
sense  of  my  own  insufficiency,  caused  me  to 
cry  mightily  to  God,  and  my  fears  were  calmed 
by  this  passage  :  "  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up 
from  the  wilderness,  leaning  upon  her  Be- 
loved r 

*  It  was  at  this  time  that  Miss  B.  received  the  wit. 
ness  of  perfect  love. 


DIAKY   OF  MISS  HUNTING.  65 

Aug.  20. — I  went  to  my  class  to  thank  God 
for  his  unspeakable  gift,  and  openly  avow  be- 
fore  my  brethren  what  had  been  wrought  for 
me.  The  adversary  suggested  that  I  should  be 
at  a  loss,  and  unable  to  express  myself.  Thank 
God  I  felt  no  lack.  I  find  that  speaking  of  his 
goodness  strengthens  my  faith.  Some  little 
fruit  concurs  in  confirming  me  that  what  I  have 
of  late  experienced  is  no  delusion.  I  begin 
now  more  fully  to  realize  what  a  life  of  entire 
dependence  on  the  sinner's  only  Friend  is.  I 
dare  not  take  thought  for  the  morrow  :  a 
piercing  sense  of  my  wants  causes  me  to  cry 
unceasingly  for  aid.  I  enjoy  constant  commu- 
nion with  the  Father  and  with  his  Son,  Jesus 
Christ.  Unbelief  is  taken  out  of  my  heart, 
and  my  soul  feeds  on  angels'  food. 

"  Nature's  last  agony  is  o'er, 
And  cruel  sin  subsists  no  more." 

Aug.  29. — I  possess  great  calmness  of  mind 
to-day.  Although  domestic  matters  are  more 
confused  than  usual,  they  do  not  disturb  me. 

Sept.  12. — I  sensibly  feel  that  my  will  and 
affections  are  fixed  on  God  ; — he  has  no  com- 
petitor in  my  bosom.  May  I  fully  answer  the 
end  of  my  creation  and  redemption.  I  clearly 
discern  that  of  myself  I  am  nothing :  self 
seems  annihilated, — so  true  is  it  that  grace 
alone  can  humble  the  soul. 

Sept.  30. — I  have  glorious  discoveries  of 
the  grand  provision  made  in  the  new  covenant 
for   the    complete  salvation  of   the  soul.     At 

5 


60  DIA11Y'    OF  MISS   RUSTING. 

times  I  can  scarcely  discern  between  tempta- 
tion and  sin  ;  but  by  carrying  my  case  imme- 
diately before  the  Lord,  by  earnest,  agonizing 
prayer,  light  emanates  from  above,  and  makes 
the  path  of  duty  plain. 

Oct.  14. — My  soul  is  rilled  with  such  faith 
as  I  never  had  before.  I  eat  the  bread  of 
heaven  ;  and  when  my  inward  foes  rise  up  as 
a  host  against  me,  I  simply  cast  my  iniquities 
into  the  abyss  of  redeeming  mercy,  and  pre- 
serve an  inviolable  peace. 

"  O  love  Divine,  how  sweet  thou  art ! 
How  cheering  is  thy  ray  *" 

Oct.  28. — How  am  I  humbled  by  one  very 
dear,  who  will  not  receive  my  testimony ! 
She  insinuates  that  every  transgression  of  the 
Adamic  law  is  sin  ;  supposing  that  Christian 
perfection  consists  in  freedom  from  ignorance, 
mistakes,  and  various  infirmities.  I  can  ap- 
peal to  God,  that  I  wish  no  one  to  think  I  am 
free  from  sin.  I  am  aware  I  neither  love  him 
or  my  neighbour  as  J  ought,  or  as  I  hope  I 
shall.  All  mankind  could  not  persuade  me 
that  the  bitterness  of  the  carnal  mind  is  not 
extirpated,  or  that  sin,  properly  speaking,  reigns 
in  my  mortal  body. 

44  Jesus'  blood  has  cleansed  my  ucunds  : 
O  the  wondrous  story  ! 
I  was  lost,  but  now  I  'm  found, 
Qi°ry»  glory,  glory." 

Nov,  1Q,— Although  I  am  convinced  of  my 
own  weakness,  yet  I  feel  no  hesitancy  in  saying 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  67 

the  clamour  of  self  is  gone  :  my  feet  are  on  a 
Rock  that  never  can  be  shaken.  The  effica- 
cious blood  of  the  atonement  has  set  me  free 
from  the  law  of  sin  and  death  ! 

Dec.  20. — None  but  God  has  known  what 
I  for  some  time  have  had  to  pass  through.  In- 
deed, my  suffering  of  soul  has  been  so  great, 
as  nearly  to  unfit  me  for  attention  to  my  tem- 
poral concerns.  My  complaint  is  an  affection 
of  the  nerves.  Lowness  of  spirits,  and  at 
times  great  depression,  have  called  every  grace 
into  action.  I  can  with  propriety  say  uncom- 
mon heaviness  has  been  my  portion,  owing  to 
numberless  temptations  ;  yet  through  all  I  have 
felt  no  condemnation  ;  my  confidence  in  God 
has  been  firm.  I  am  deeply  oppressed  with  a 
fear  that  I  am  not  approved  in  the  sight  of  my 
Divine  Master,  because  I  do  not  rejoice  ever- 
more :  pray  J  do  without  ceasing. 

Crosswicks,  Dec.  28. — Hither  the  Lord  hath 
brought  me  by  his  supporting  grace.  I  am 
mercifully  kept  from  sinking  into  discourage- 
ment. Though  weak  in  body,  and  still  desti- 
tute of  joy,  my  soul  has  peace;  and  if  compe- 
tent to  judge,  I  am  more  desirous  to  glorify 
God,  by  living  according  to  his  will,  than  being 
delivered  from  my  trials. 

Philadelphia,  Jan.  12, 1825. — God  was  with 
me  on  my  going  out  and  coming  in.  He  is 
much  better  to  me  than  my  foolish  fears.  My 
journey  has  been  a  benefit  to  my  health.  I 
would,  if  consistent,  pray  for  my  former  health 
and  vigour ;  but  if  it  be  more  needful  for  me 


69  DIARY    OF    MISS    BUNTING. 

to  linger  out  a  life  of  pain,  thy  will,  O  God,  be 
done  !  Five  months  past  I  have  enjoyed  a 
glorious  liberty  through  believing.  God  has 
the  sole  possession  of  my  willing  heart.  Many 
nights  I  have  been  so  filled  with  love,  that 
sleep  has  forsaken  my  eyes.  What  solid  bliss, 
to  know  God  dwells  in  my  heart,  and  feel  he 
ruleth  my  will,  my  affections,  my  tempers,  and 
desires.  I  thank  him  for  preventing  me  by  an 
application  of  this  passage : —  "  Touch  not, 
handle  not," — from  going  with  the  multitude 
to  view  the  parade  that  escorted  our  respected 
General  Lafayette  into  the  city.  I  grant  that 
he  should  live  in  the  heart  of  every  true  Ame. 
rican  ;  but  I  dislike  so  much  show. 

Mary  Morris,  who  has  long  been  a  sufferer, 
has  fled  to  her  eternal  rest.  I  passed  several 
solemn,  profitable  nights,  watching  by  her 
dying  pillow.  Not  a  cloud  obscured  her  sky. 
Her  last  words  to  me  were,  "  God  bless  you." 
These  amply  repaid  me  for  all  my  toil. 

Feb.  10.— ^Visited  one  of  my  Sabbath  scho- 
lars who  is  sick,  and  felt  liberty  in  reproving 
hsr  parents  for  selling  on  the  Lord's  day.  Her 
mother  was  affected  to  tears.  I  went  from  thence 
to  see  M.  P.,  a  poor  young  creature  who  has 
unhappily  wandered  from  the  path  of  virtue.  I 
believe  her  end  is  very  near  ;  but  the  indiffer- 
ence she  manifests  respecting  her  eternal  inte- 
rest is  truly  affecting.  I  attempted  to  pray 
with  her,  but  found  no  access.  Lord,  tear 
away  the  veil  from  her  eyes. 

Feb.  18. — The  desires  of  mv  heart  are  en- 


DIARY  OF  MISS   HUNTING.  69 

larged  to  be  filled  with  all  the  fruits  of  right- 
eousness. At  lovefeast  this  evening  I  was  re- 
freshed by  hearing  from  Mr.  Lybrand,  that 
from  side  to  side  of  Lancaster  circuit  there  is 
a  general  inquiry  among  the  people.  Along 
the  banks  of  the  rivers,  on  the  mountains,  and 
in  the  valleys,  the  God  of  power  is  manifesting 
himself  in  the  conviction  and  conversion  of 
multitudes.  May  victory  succeed  victory,  un- 
til all  nations  shall  speak  one  language,  and 
every  heart  become  the  abode  of  God.  I  feel 
very  importunate  for  my  Sunday  class.  The 
advanced  age  of  several  of  the  girls  requires 
their  dismissal  ;  and  must  ?,,  after  all,  see  them 
leave  the  school  without  a  change  of  heart  1 
Surely  they  will  be  overcome  by  the  fascina- 
tions of  this  showy,  deceitful  world.  My  soul 
is  in  an  agony  for  them. 

Feb.  20. — This  is  the  last  week  my  dear 
sister  Kitty  will  call  this  house  her  home.  O 
that  Heaven's  richest  blessings  may  attend  the 
contemplated  union  !  I  believe  it  is  directed 
by  God.  It  is  no  small  trial  to  part  with  her. 
She  has  ever  acted  a  mother's  part  toward  me. 
The  Lord  has  removed  my  father  to  another 
world  :  now  he  calls  for  another  sacrifice.  As 
my  creature  comforts  fail,  I  will  take  Jesus  as 
my  all-sufficient  Friend.  Let  me  lean  on  thy 
breast,  my  beloved  Lord,  and  keep  me  in  thy 
bosom. 

Feb.  22. — Felt  my  mind  drawn  out  in  prayer 
for  one  who  is  earnestly  looking  where  she  may 
find  her  Lord.     One  of  my  Sabbath  scholars 


70  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

also  carrie  on  Thursday  last  to  request  the 
privilege  of  attending  class.  Is  not  this  omi- 
nous of  some  good  1 

Feb.  25.-^Last  evening  my  dear  sister  Was 
solemnly  united  with  H.  D.  Haven,  a  young 
man  who  fears  and  loves  God.  May  their 
union  tend  to  a  yet  closer  union  with  the  great 
Giver  of  all  blessings.  I  must  confess  a  more 
private  wedding  would  have  been  more  conso- 
nant with  my  views  and  feelings.  For  some 
time  I  was  unavoidably  in  a  bustle  ;  but,  thank 
God,  it  has  been  an  outward  one  :  my  heart 
did  not  partake  of  it. 

"  Calm  on  tumult's  wheel  I  sit, 
'Midst  busy  multitudes,  alone." 

This  evening  I  broke  through  all  difficulties 
to  attend  lovefeast  at  the  academy.  My  body 
being  quite  worn  down  with  fatigue,  I  did  not 
calculate  on  enjoying  it.  Out  of  weakness 
surely  I  was  made  strong ; — had  such  a  mani- 
festation of  Divine  love  as  almost  overpowered 
the  faculties  of  nature  ; — was  enabled  to  bear 
a  public  testimony  of  the  goodness  of  my  God. 
I  am  now  in  possession  of  a  long  desired  pri- 
vilege,— a  chamber  to  myself,  in  the  silence  of 
which  I  can  devote  myself,  with  all  my  powers, 
more  exclusively  to  the  Lord. 

March  6. — Went  out  this  afternoon  with 
the  intention  of  visiting  M.  P. ;  but,  alas ! 
she  was  no  more  !  I  shall  not  say  what  I  felt : 
my  painful  feelings  cannot  be  expressed.  It 
was  an  awful  event.     She  has  gone,  for  ever 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING «  7l 

gone,  into  the  world  of  spirits,  to  appear  before 
the  all-knowing  God.  How  very  different 
were  my  feelings  afterward,  when  conversing 
and  praying,  with  two  pious,  though  severely 
afflicted  widows :  the  contrast  soothed  my  mind 
into  a  pleasing  calm.  I  long  for  a  yet  larger 
measure  of  the  mind  of  Christ. 

March  7. — -Have  just  received  the  intelli- 
gence of  the  death  of  Mrs.  L.  Wilkinson.  Dear 
saint !  she  has  gone  to  better  company,  who 
wait  for  her  above.  The  last  words  she  ut- 
tered were,  "  I  have  fought  the  good  fight ;  I 
have  finished  my  course ;  I  have  kept  the 
faith ;"  and  I  do  know  "  there  is  laid  up  for  me 
a  crown  of  glory,  glory,  glory!"  Never  did 
the  veil  which  hides  the  blessedness  of  eternity 
from  my  view,  seem  so  thin  as  at  this  moment. 
No  doubt  sister  Oliver's  spirit,  which  landed 
on  the  shores  of  Canaan  a  short  time  before, 
hailed  with  joy  her  arrival.  O  when  shall  I 
get  within  the  enclosures  of  the  New  Jerusa- 
lem, and  for  ever  gaze  on  the  perfections  of 
the  Deity  ! 

March  10. — When  I  contemplate  the  power 
and  glory  of  the  mighty  Jehovah,  I  shrink  back 
into  my  own  nothingness.  He  is  the  being 
whose  "  centre  is  everywhere,  and  whose  cir- 
cumference nowhere."  May  I  constantly 
realize  his  awful  presence,  and  walk  as  under 
his  all-seeing  eye. 

March  14. — I  feel  much  shame  before  the 
Lord  for  my  sins  of  omission.  Jesus  is  my 
hiding  place,  and — 


72  DIAKY    OF   MISS  15UNTING, 

"  Fully  absolved  through  him  I  am, 
From  guilt  and  fear,  from  sin  and  shame." 

When  lie  is  near,  all  things  please  and  delight 
me  :  but  if  he  be  absent,  all  becomes  disgust- 
ing. Communion  with  such  a  Friend  is  heaven 
on  earth. 

"  Naught  but  the  fountain  head  above 
Can  satisfy  my  thirst  of  love." 

March  20. — If  acquainted  with  my  own 
heart,  I  am  advancing  in  Divine  knowledge, 
and  daily  pursuing  after  greater  degrees  of  ho- 
liness. I  can  revert  to  the  period  when  the 
fear  of  death,  Satan,  the  cross,  &c,  greatly  dis- 
tressed me.  I  have  now  a  portion  of  love  that 
casts  out  slavish  fear,  and  feel  constantly  happy 
in  the  enjoyment  of  the  Divine  favour. 

While  God  is  my  Friend,  pain  and  affliction 
will  be  pressed  into  my  service.  "  Frost  can 
warm,  or  fire  cool."  I  want  a  living  principle 
of  love  to  actuate  all  my  performances,  that  I 
may  not  foolishly  catch  at  the  straws  of  my 
own  works,  or  lean  on  the  broken  reed  of  my 
own  righteousness. 

March  25. — Heard  Mr.  White  preach  from, 
"  One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that 
will  I  seek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house 
of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold 
the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  his 
holy  temple."  To  which  my  soul  replies, 
Amen. 

April  1. — Every  day  lays  me  under  renewed 
obligations  to  love  and  serve  God.     When  I 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  73 

consider  my  privileges,  I  am  fearful  my  attain- 
ments are  not  proportionate.  I  feel  myself  but 
a  dwarf  in  Christian  experience.  Our  respected 
father  Wilmer,  one  of  the  first  Methodists  in 
America,  and  upward  of  fifty  years  leader  of  a 
class,  of  which  my  dear  grandmother  Rudolph 
was  a  member,  has  gone  to  his  long  desired 
home.  During  his  painful  illness  he  maintained 
a  solid  peace;  and  in  time  of  excruciating 
suffering  affirmed,  with  emphasis,  "  Religion  is 
true  ;  and  if  this  be  death,  there  is  no  pain  in 
dying."  To  the  Rev.  J.  Easborn  he  said  he 
could  "  almost  see  the  spires  of  the  New  Je- 
rusalem." 

April  3. — "Lord,  thou  preparest  a  table 
before  me  in  the  presence  of  my  enemies  ; 
thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil ;  my  cup  run- 
neth over." — Partook  of  the  emblems  of  dying 
mercy  ; — love  unspeakable  filled  my  soul.  The 
following  words  of  Mr.  Fletcher  have  been  the 
subject  of  my  serious  contemplation  : — "  Be- 
hold  the  man" — <;  Jesus  rested  his  infant 
head  on  hay,  and  his  dying  head  on  thorns  :  a 
manger  was  his  cradle,  and  a  cross  his  death- 
bed." Surely  such  amazing  condescension 
demands  my  heart,  my  life,  my  all.  Grant,  O 
my  Lord,  that  my  soul  may  be  as  a  "  garden 
enclosed  to  all  but  thee." 

April  10. — This  solemn  passage  has  borne 
with  weight  on  my  mind :  "  Let  us  therefore 
fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering 
into  his  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem  to  come 
short  of  it."     Heard  of  the  unexpected  death 


74  DIAKY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

of  a  relation,  who  was  cut  down  in  the  bloom 
of  youth.  My  fears  are  awake,  lest  my  natu- 
ral timidity  deterred  me  from  visiting,  and 
faithfully  warning  her  of  her  state.  May  this 
be  a  lesson  for  me  in  future.  My  enemies 
have  stood  in  array  against  me.  A  sense  of 
my  remissness  fills  me  with  shame  :  I  would 
rather  die  than  offend  my  gracious  God. 

Encouraged  this  afternoon  in  meeting  my 
Sabbath  scholars.  Several  of  them  appear 
deeply  impressed. 

April  11. — I  have  felt  much  relief  from  the 
information  I  have  just  received,  that  my  dear 
cousin,  for  whom  I  was  so  much  distressed, 
died  in  the  Lord. 

Crosswicks,  April  31. — Aid,  Holy  Spirit,  in 
the  important  duty  of  self-examination.  I  have 
been  induced  to  quit  my  home,  with  the  hope 
of  improving  my  health.  Meeting  dear  friends 
is  highly  gratifying;  but  I  should  not  feel 
justified  in  leaving  my  home  merely  for  my 
own  pleasure.  I  desire  to  be  more  weaned 
from  persons,  places,  and  things.  I  know  that 
my  Beloved  is  mine,  and  that  I  am  his. 

*«  O  Jesus,  nothing  may  I  see ; 
Nothing  hear,  feel,  or  think,  but  thee." 

New- York,  May  6. — Since  I  came  to  this 
place  God  has  been  eminently  near.  The 
name  of  Jesus  sounds  most  delightfully  in  my 
ear.  I  possess  a  heaven-born  peace  in  my 
soul,  of  which  I  would  not  be  deprived  for  the 
universe.     Glory,  glory  to  God  in  the  highest. 


MARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  75 

May  9. — I  have  for  some  time  been  de- 
prived of  the  means  of  grace.  Went  this 
morning  to  the  John-street  church,  hungry  for 
the  word  of  life ; — was   fed  and  strengthened 

by   hearing    Mr. from  Hebrews,  "  That 

ye  be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who 
through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  pro- 
mises." I  felt  hearty  contrition  for  my  cold- 
ness,  and  promised  in  the  strength  of  my 
covenant-keeping  God  to  use  in  future  all  the 
circumspection  and  self-denial  the  Gospel 
requires. 

This  evening  had  to  appear  rude  rather  than 
spend  the  time  in  company.  I  had  rather 
appear  singular  than  offend  God  by  deviating 
in  a  single  point. 

"  O  that  my  tender  soul  might  fly 
The  first  abhorr'd  approach  of  ill." 

May  11. — I  met  in  spirit  with  my  dear 
bandmates,  who  assemble  in  Philadelphia  at 
this  hour.  How  pleasant  is  Christian  union  ! 
Just  returned  from  Mr.  Jewett's  class ; — 
felt  much  united  with  the  dear  people.  An 
overwhelming  sense  of  the  presence  of  God 
was  among  us.  I  was  pleased  with  Mr. 
Jewett's  manner :  he  reminded  me  of  Mr. 
Bramwell ; — short,  but  very  comprehensive. 
He  spoke  of  a  sister  Banker,  who  had  been  a 
member  of  society  eleven  years ;  and  though 
her  walk  was  very  consistent,  the  enemy  of 
souls  had  so  much  the  advantage  of  her,  as  to 
prevent  her  from  enjoying  the  direct  witness 


76  DIARY   OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

of  the  Spirit ;  but  when  she  came  to  die,  her 
testimony  was,  that  she  "  felt  as  pure  as  though 
she  had  never  sinned." 

May  12. — Was  at  a  private  meeting  held  in 
the  house  of  Mrs.  Dando,  who  has  long  been 
a  prisoner  through  bodily  affliction.  Mr.  Jew- 
ett  related  a  dream  which  had  afforded  him 
great  comfort  in  a  time  of  severe  temptation. 
He  imagined  he  saw  a  tall  tree  with  thick 
foilage  at  the  top,  and  a  vine  twining  itself 
around  the  body.  "  Now,  my  doubting  sister," 
said  he,  "  though  your  faith  be  no  thicker  than 
a  thread,  let  it  twine  closely  round  Christ,  and 
you  can  have  nothing  to  fear."  The  language 
of  my  heart  was,  "  Lord,  give  me  faith,  with 
faith's  increase." 

May  13. — Had  a  clearer  view  of  God's  ful- 
ness, and  my  own  emptiness,  at  Mr.  Paradise's 
class  this  afternoon. 

May  14. — At  Mr.  Waldo's  meeting  this 
evening  ; — not  altogether  pleased  with  him. 
I  fear  a  wrong  spirit  has  crept  in  among  some 
of  this  people.  They  speak  too  lightly  of  the 
ministry.  Lord  save  them  from  delusion  and 
apostasy.* 

May  15.  Sabbath. — Rose  this  morning  at 
four  o'clock,  to  attend  a  meeting  held  in  the 

*  This  is  a  very  judicious  remark  of  Miss  Bunting, 
and  shows  the  soundness  of  her  judgment,  as  well  as 
the  depth  of  her  piety.  It  is  pride  and  delusion  which 
leads  to  contempt  of  the  authorized  ministers  of 
Christ ;  and  hero  apostasy  generally  has  its  origin. 
Tliis  the  history  of  the  Church  abundantly  confirms. 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  77 

form  of  a  lovefeast,  at  a  class  room  in  For. 
syth-street.  I  never  heard  so  many  witnesses, 
and  such  noble  testimonies  for  perfect  love. 
I  exult  to  find  this  doctrine  so  fully  believed 
by  my  brethren  and  sisters  in  New- York. 
Cod  grant  a  general  inquiry  may  be  made  for 
it  throughout  the  world  of  professing  Chris- 
tians. I  am  cheered  to  find  several  of  my 
Presbyterian  friends  living  in  the  enjoyment 
of  it.  Sat  with  great  delight  to-day,  and  heard 
Mr.  Chase,  Mr.  Sandford,  and  Mr.  Nichols 
preach  the  word  of  life.  I  view  before  me  an 
ocean  of  love,  which  has  neither  bottom  nor 
shore. 

Rahway,  (N.  J.,)  May  19. — Came  here 
yesterday  ; — spent  most  of  this  afternoon  pro- 
fitably conversing  with  my  dear  cousin  D.  on 
the  deep  things  of  God.  Had  a  pleasant  time 
in  the  evening  at  cousin  Ashby's  class,  while 
listening  to  the  simple,  though  clear  and  feel, 
ing  details  of  the  dear  people.  I  feel  that  my 
visit  to  New-York  has  not  been  altogether  in 
vain.  I  sec  nothing  so  desirable  as  holiness. 
I  wish  to  be  free  from  all  else,  that  Christ  may 
be  all  in  all.  I  would  not  be  found  a  moment 
from  his  side,  as  I  am  only  safe  while  there. 
To  get  ready  to  die  is  my  chief  concern.  O 
for  a  fitness,  that  when  the  summons  is  sent>  I 
may  say  with  joy,  "  Lord,  I  come  /" 

Crosswicks,  May  22. — Since  I  wrote  last  I 
have  met  with  a  severe  trial,  and  am  still  labour- 
ing under  it ;  yet,  with  the  psalmist,  I  can  say, 
**  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  who  daily  crown. 


78  DIARY  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

eth  and  loadeth  me  with  benefits."  My  mind 
is  in  a  comfortable  frame,  and  my  prospects 
of  eternal  happiness  are  brightening.  The 
country  also  looks  charmingly  since  the  re- 
viving rain.  Sweet  are  its  smiles;  and  all 
seems  peace.  I  am  waked  every  morning  by 
the  warbling  of  the  feathered  songsters,  who 

"  Praise  their  Maker  all  they  can, 
And  shame  the  silent  tongue  of  man." 

I  have  enjoyed  many  solitary  walks.  Na- 
ture never  appeared  half  so  lovely  !  How  I 
enjoy  this  relaxation  !  What  a  privilege  to  be 
far  away  from  the  busy  haunts  of  men,  with 
my  mind  calm,  and  free  from  the  vexing  cares 
of  a  city  life  !  The  stillness  that  surrounds 
me  soothes  my  mind  into  a  pleasing  melan- 
choly. 

"  I  feel  not  now  my  bosom  bleed, 

Nor  yet.  that  some  things  o'er  me  press  ; 
For  O,  religion  !  thou  indeed 

Art  love,  and  peace,  and  happiness." 

Philadelphia,  May  29. — My  heart  is  pene- 
trated with  the  goodness  and  love  of  God  in 
bringing  me  in  safety  to  my  residence,  Ho 
has  defeated  my  expectations  with  regard  to 
my  health.  I  return  much  worse  than  I 
went.  For  several  days  I  have  raised  blood  in 
coughing.  I  trust  in  the  God  of  my  salvation, 
"  for  unto  him  belong  the  issues  from  death." 
Abundantly  more  do  I  enjoy  the  consolations 
and  sufficiency  of  grace  when  at  home,  than 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  79 

when  travelling,  visiting,  &c.  I  only  live  to 
know  my  adored  Father's  will,  and  glorify  him 
by  suffering  as  well  as  doing.  I  sometimes 
wonder  why  I  feel  such  an  intense  desire  to  be 
employed,  without  either  power  of  body  or 
mind,  or  any  qualification  for  the  great  work. 

June  12. — "  A  father  of  the  fatherless  is 
God  in  his  holy  habitation."  Yes,  he  is  with 
his  orphan  child,  and  enables  her  to  bear  pain 
as  she  never  did  before,  and  cheers  her  weary 
spirit  with  a  lively  hope  of,  ere  long,  being 
released  from  the  shackles  of  mortality,  and 
brought  for  ever  to  bask  in  the  fruition  of  his 
boundless  and  eternal  love. 

June  21. — I  feel  as  a  moth  in  the  mighty 
hand  of  Him  who  rideth  upon  the  heavens. 
He  shows  me  my  weakness,  but  leaves  me  not 
to  contend  with  my  foes  alone.  May  I  lose 
nothing  in  this  furnace  but  the  dross  of  nature. 
I  long  to  be  more  conformed  to  Christ,  to  be 
enabled  to  follow  the  great  Sufferer,  and  re- 
joice to  be  counted  worthy  to  suffer  with  him, 
that  finally  I  may,  f*  free  from  pain,  his  glory 
sing." 

June  30. — Earthly  vanities  are  not  only 
tasteless  but  irksome.  My  infirm  constitu- 
tion admonishes  me  not  to  expect  long  life. 
I  would  regard  each  day  as  a  reprieve  from 
.death,  and  have  my  conversation  and  my  heart 
in  heaven.  I  have  but  one  object  in  view, 
which  is  to  honour  God  in  my  body  and  spirit, 
which  are  his,  and  only  his.  My  good  actions, 
if  any  I  perform,  are  very  imperfect ;    but  as 


80  DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

"  mere  indifference  to  good  is  evil,"  I  would 
have  every  power  and  faculty  occupied  in  the 
cause  of  my  Divine  Saviour. 

July  1. — Disappointment  and  pain  make  up 
the  sum  of  my  earthly  portion  ;  "  but  my  feet 
stand  in  an  even  place."  I  trust  in  God.  and 
am  helped.  O  for  more  simplicity,  and  to  be 
filled  with  love  to  the  Most  High  !  I  firmly 
believe  Jesus  is  preparing  a  mansion  for  me 
in  a  land  where  I  shall  experience  no  change, 
except  from  one  dergee  of  glory  into  another. 
When  shall  I  be  released  from  every  infirmity, 
that  I  may  enjoy  my  God  without  interruption 
in  that  region  where  tears  shall  be  wiped  from 
off  all  faces  1 

"  O  were  I  enter'd  there, 

To  perfect  heaven  restored  ; 

O  were  I  novj  caught  up  to  share 

The  triumph  of  my  Lord  !" 

July  2. — Our  dear  Summerfield  has  at  length 
landed  on  the  peaceful  shores  where  the  storms 
of  trouble  never  beat.  Long  and  keenly  did 
he  feel  the  chastening  hand  of  the  Almighty. 
Yes,  one  of  the  most  glorious  lights  God  hath 
bestowed  upon  his  Church,  is  gone ! — cut 
down  in  the  flower  of  his  age  by  the  relentless 
hand  of  death!  I  am  led  to  adore  this  myste- 
rious Providence,  and  must  acknowledge, — 
"  Through  clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about 
him,  yet  justice  and  truth  are  the  habitation  of 
his  throne."  But  who  now  shall  strengthen 
our  hands  in  this  wearv  land  of  shadows  ?    But 


DIAUY   01    MISS   BUNTIXG.  81 

I  am  silenced  by  the  voice  of  Him  who  says, 
"  Shall  I  not  do  what  I  will  with  my  own  ?" 
Summer  field  did  not  sleep  as  do  others.  Di- 
vine love  and  benevolence  for  his  wretched 
fellow  creatures  burned  upon  the  altar  of  his 
devout  heart.  I  never  knew  one  possessed  of 
equal  qualifications  to  advance  the  cause  of 
God.  He  did  honour  to  it  by  his  abundant 
labours.  May  his  mantle  fall  on  our  young 
Elishas  ! 

I  would  bring  a  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving  to 
God  that  I  am  still  alive  in  a  dying  world.  I 
wish  so  to  order  my  life,  that  I  may  say  with 
one,  "  I  am  ready  to  die,  but  willing  to  live." 
Many,  this  excessively  warm  weather,  have 
had  to  obey  a  hasty  call,  A  few  doors  from 
our  dwelling  the  summons  was  sent  to  a  man 
and  his  wife  in  one  short  week. 

"  O  lime,— than  gold  more  precious." 

Hilton,  July  5. — This  day  I  have  completed 
my  twenty-fourth  year.  I  am  led  to  wonder  at 
the  mercies  of  God,  which  have  followed  me 
from  my  cradle.  I  expect  they  will  continue 
with  me  to  my  tomb. 

I  realize  that  time  with  me  is  on  the  wing. 
Lord,  enable  me  duly  to  prize  and  weigh  each 
hour.  I  know  "  that  life  is  long  which  answers 
life's  great  end." 

Philadelphia,  July  10. — My   heart  is  filled 

with  sorrow,  hearing  the  mournful  news  of  my 

cousin  Daniels  severe  illness.     Lord,  support 

his  dear  sister  on  her  hasty  journey.     Froia 

6 


82  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

our  early  days  Daniel  and  myself  have  been 
much  united.  There  is  but  a  few  weeks'  dif- 
ference in  our  ages.  We  commenced  the 
Christian  course  nearly  together,  and  perfectly 
coincided  in  sentiment.  Yes,  he  was  "  lovely 
in  life,"  and  I  feel  that  if  he  is  now  to  be  torn 
away,  that  in  "  death  we  shall  not  be  divided." 
Our  friendship  will  only  consummate  in  eter- 
nity. 

I  spent  last  week  profitably  at  Hilton  :  am 
beter  in  body  since  my  return.  God's  will  is 
blessed  ;  and  whether  it  be  for  or  against  me, 
I  receive  it  all  as  from  his  hand.  Owing  to 
the  weakness  of  my  body,  I  cannot  use  as 
much  self-denial  as  in  time  past.  I  pray  that 
I  may  be  saved  from  inactivity  and  needless 
self-indulgence.  Lord,  guide  me,  and  let  thy 
glory  be  my  constant  aim. 

Three  girls  of  my  Sunday  school  class  have 
been  promoted  as  teachers.  I  have  a  godly 
jealousy  over  them,  and  desire  they  should 
feel  their  awful  responsibility.  I  begin  to  hope 
the  labour  of  six  years  will  not  be  altogether 
in  vain. 

July  12. — I  more  fully  realize  that  time  is 
receding,  and  eternity  is  heaving  in  view.  My 
beloved  cousin,  Daniel  Ellis,  on  Sunday  last, 
(July  10,)  at  four  o'clock,  exchanged  a  state 
of  suffering  for  a  peaceful  immortality.  His 
dying  moments  were  not  those  of  ecstatic  joy, 
but  calm  and  serene  as  summer  evenings  are. 
Perhaps  some,  on  viewing  him  cut  down  in  the 
bloom  of  youth  and  usefulness,  and  snatched 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  83 

from  the  fond  embrace  of  an  amiable  wife  and 
lovely  babe,  may  be  inclined  to  say,  "  How 
sad  !"  But  I  adore  the  goodness  of  God  in 
calling  him  so  early  to  his  glory.  Daniel 
laboured  faithfully  for  that  which  endureth  unto 
eternal  life.  God  set  him  to  work  ;  and  shall 
he  not  when  he  please  call  him  away,  and  give 
him  his  hire  ?  All  his  toils  are  now  ended : 
he  has  bid  adieu  to  this  passing  world,  and  is 
now  enjoying  the  delights  of  heaven,  seeing 
things  that  have  never  entered  into  the  heart 
of  man,  and  which  in  this  life  are  impossible 
to  be  conceived.  My  soul  exults  in  the  pros- 
pect of  soon  joining  him  in  the  skies.  I  feel 
as  a  stranger  in  a  weary  land,  restless,  and 
sighing  for  a  better  inheritance. 

July  21. — Notwithstanding  my  unworthi- 
ness,  God  deigned  to  visit  me  in  band  to- 
night. One  of  my  dear  sisters  has  been  for 
some  weeks  under  a  cloud.  May  it  speedily 
burst  in  blessings  on  her  head.  I  long  for 
a  life  of  entire  devotion  to  God,  and  to  be 
constantly  employed  in  his  service.  I  dare 
not  stop  to  play  with  bubbles,  while  souls, 
bought  with  the  price  of  a  Redeemer's  blood, 
are  perishing.  True,  my  sphere  of  usefulness 
is  very  limited  ;  yet  God  will  not  despise  the 
clay  of  small  things.  If  I  cannot  perform  great 
achievements,  yet  I  may  be  found  often  in 
secret  places,  wrestling  for  Zion's  prosperity. 
I  would  press  through  summer's  heat  and  win- 
ter's  cold,  knowing  that  when  the  world's  short 
week   of  toil  is  o'er,  my  reward  will  be  glo- 


84  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

rious.     When  I  contemplate  the  felicities  of 
heaven,  I  am  ready  to  say, — 

"  When  shall  I  sse  my  Father's  face, 
And  in  his  bosom  rest  ?" 

July  24. — I  desire  to  be  ever  on  the  wing, 
and  watch,  saying,  "  Here  am  I,  Lord  ;  send 
me  where  thou  wilt." — Rode  twenty  miles  to- 
day,  to  Miss  Pepper's  Sabbath  school.  Verified 
the  truth  of  this  promise,  "  They  that  water, 
shall  be  watered."  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmoor  is 
lodged  in  the  garner  above.  His  memory 
failed  on  all  points  but  the  subject  of  religion. 
This  he  was  ever  alive  to.  Nearly  all  the  ve- 
terans of  Mr.  Wesley's  time  have  gone  to  meet 
him,  doubtless  in  the  paradise  of  God. — This 
evening  every  feeling,  every  pulse  of  my  heart, 
is  peace. 

July  31. — I  am  not  left  to  guess  at  the  evi- 
dences of  God's  holy  religion.  The  light  of 
the  Spirit  will  be  imparted,  not  only  as  it 
respects  justification,  but  sanctification. 

Aug.  15. — Let  me  lose  sight  of  self  and 
self-dependence,  that  Christ  may  be  all  in  all. 
Much  devolves  upon  me.  I  have  no  strength 
of  my  own.  I  lean  upon  Jesus,  and  am  only 
mighty  in  his  might. 

Martha  Boyl,  instead  of  being  in  excruciating 
pain,  is  now  enjoying  the  blissful  realities  of 
heaven  !  A  short  time  before  her  dissolution 
she  started  from  a  long  silence,  and  said  to  her 
'.weeping  friends,  "  I  have  not-  been  with  you. 
A  view  of  heaven  and  glory  has  been  revealed  ;" 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  85 

and  then  ceased  speaking  for  ever.  In  lovefeast 
this  evening  it  seemed  as  if  her  spirit  was  near. 

Aug.  20. — Sweet  communion  my  soul  has 
this  hour  enjoyed  with  the  Father  of  spirits. 
The  calm  of  evening  fits  the  mind  for  contem- 
plation. How  are  the  closing  hours  of  each 
day  calculated  to  warn  me  of  the  approach  of 
the  awful  night  of  the  grave  !  Yet  I  look  for- 
ward with  joy  to  the  period  when  I  shall  quit 
this  state  of  trial,  and  lay  this  feeble  body  in 
the  narrow  house  of  the  dead,  in  the  full  and 
certain  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection.  O  then, 
thrice  welcome  the  shadows  of  the  evening, 
and  the  darkness  of  the  tomb,  for  they  are  but 
the  way  to  the  realms  of  eternal  glory. 

Aug.  21. — How  good  is  the  Lord,  after 
such  a  distressing  drought,  to  bless  the  earth 
with  nearly  a  week's  rain. — I  have  been  very 
much  secluded,  and  had  but  little  society  of 
late  ;  but  God  is  with  me  in  all  I  do  :  no  me- 
lancholy void  is  left  in  rny  days.  "  How  oft 
I  look  to  the  heavenly  hills,"  where  I  expect 
to  meet  with  those  I  have  loved  and  lost  below. 
This  morning  being  inclement,  I  was  at  a  loss 
to  know  the  path  in  which  to  walk  :  however, 
I  ventured  to  the  sanctuary,  and  my  hungry 
soul  was  filled  with  good  things.  I  believe 
Mr.  Pease  is  sent  of  God  among  us.  His  dis- 
course was  from  Acts  ix,  31.  I  am  striving 
to  walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  I  possess 
much  comfort  in  the  Holy  Ghost : — had  ac- 
cess to  the  throne  of  grace,  praying  for  the 
conversion  of  sinners, 


86 


DIARY  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 


Aug.  30. — One  year  the  Lord  has  had  the 
entire  possession  of  my  heart.  I  strive  to  live 
each  moment  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible. 
Jesus  gladdens  me  daily  with  his  love.  I  am 
relieved  from  all  servile  fear,  and  death  is 
robbed  of  its  terrors.  I  can  shake  hands  with 
it  as  with  my  friend.  I  have  just  returned 
from  worshipping  again  in  the  pleasant  woods 
of  Gloucester.  It  was  as  last  year,  and  much 
more  abundant.     Surely  God  was  there. 

Sept.  2. — I  am  induced  to  continue  my  jour- 
nal with  the  hope  of  correcting  my  life. 

There  is  an  appearance  of  a  revival  of  the 
work  of  God  in  the  Union  charge.  I  never 
witnessed  such  a  feast  of  love  in  the  dear 
church  to  which  I  belong,  as  we  were  favoured 
with  this  evening.  I  believe  the  people  could 
have  spoken  in  quick  succession  the  whole 
night.  I  trust  that  those  gracious  drops  are 
the  prelude  of  a  glorious  shower. 

Sept.  10. — Since  my  return  from  the  conse- 
crated grove  my  spiritual  appetite  has  had  a 
keener  edge.  Sister  K.  is  ill  with  the  inter- 
mittent. While  attending  beside  her  pillow, 
and  variously  occupied,  my  soul  is  ascending 
heavenward  in  never  ceasing  prayer  for  the 
spirit  of  sacrifice  and  entire  dedication  to  the 
exalted  Sovereign  of  my  heart.  I  desire  that 
God  may  guide  my  doubtful  footsteps  aright  as 
it  respects  changing  my  residence. 

I  woke  this  morning  at  break  of  day,  with  a 
heart  breathing  after  complete  conformity  to 
the  image  of  God.     Went  to  sunrise  meeting. 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  87 

Dr. 's   subject    was,   God's    command  to 

Abraham,  "  Walk  before  me,  and  be  thou  per- 
fect." O  for  an  abiding  sense  of  the  pre- 
sence  of  the  Almighty  !  Then  should  I  be 
solemn  as  the  grave,  and  serious  as  eternity. 
I  love,  as  Mrs.  Dunn  says,  to  "contemplate 
the  unabbreviated  word,  God  !"  What  may  I 
not  expect  from  an  almighty  Being,  who  is 
ever  gracious  ]  I  will  venture  to  pour  out  all 
my  wants  before  him,  until  I  am  lost  in  the 
ocean  of  his  love.  Dr.  Sargent  gave  a  most 
energetic  sermon  from,  "  Remember  Lot's  wife." 
I  know  not  why,  but  I  could  with  difficulty  ex- 
press  my  feelings,  to  witness  the  apathy  of 
poor  sinners. 

Sept.  18.— There  are  still  intimations  of  a 
merciful  visitation  to  this  highly  favoured  city. 
My  heart  is  much  elated  by  witnessing  the 
clear  and  happy  conversion  of  S.  Barton  and 
D.  Welsh.*  Despair  and  agony  were  depicted 
in  their  countenances  uncil  the  blessed  Re- 
deemer  whispered,  "  Go  in  peace,  and  sin  no 
more."  The  fervour  of  their  gratitude  to  God, 
and  the  simplicity  of  their  thanks  for  the  feeble 
instruction  I  had  given  them  in  school,  filled 
my  soul  with  grateful  praise.  Several  more  of 
my  class  of  Sunday  scholars  are  groaning  un- 
der the  cruel  bondage  of  sin.  Lord,  speedily 
liberate  them,  and  fully  qualify  them  to  fill  the 
place  of  teachers  in  the  school  when  we  who 
are  thus  employed  are  laid  in  the  dust. 

Sept.  25. — Let  me  here  record  the  kindness 
*  Two  of  her  Sabbath  school  children. 


88  DIARY   OF  MJSS  BUNTIXG. 

of  the  God  of  love  to  another  of  the  dear  girls. 
The  balm  of  the  Gospel,  the  cordial  of  Divine 
grace,  has  cheered  the  heart  of  E.  A.  Taylor. 
Her  mother  was  a  devoted  class  mate  of  mine. 
How  pleasing  to  see  her  precious  child  fill  the 
void  (in  the  same  class)  which  was  made  by 
her  death.  Light  from  heaven  is  shining  into 
the  minds  of  many  who  have  long  turned  a  deaf 
ear  to  the  calls  of  mercy.  Last  Tuesday  eve- 
ning fifty  professed  to  be  seeking  a  change  of 
heart.  O  Jesus,  let  thy  dovelike  Spirit  con- 
tinue  to  brood  over  us.  In  private  I  wrestled 
in  an  agony  for  an  entire  death  to  self.  The 
language  of  my  heart  is, — 

"  Only  God  content  to  know 
Ignorant  of  all  below." 

I  feel  -there  is  danger  of  yielding  to  discou- 
ragement at  the  sight  of  my  numberless  foibles. 
Christ  is  my  fortress  :  in  him  would  I  take  up 
my  abode  for  ever. 

Oct.  8. — Here  I  would  raise  my  ebcriezer,  and 
praise  God  for  placing  me  so  comfortably  under 
the  same  roof  with  my  dear  sister.  Surely  I 
have  heard  the  inward  voice  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
in  this  removal,  saying,  "This  is  the  way  ;  walk 
thou  in  it."  After  a  day  of  excessive  fatigue,  I 
went  to  Salem  lovefeast.  How  unexpectedly 
Jesus  met  me,  and  poured  the  consolating 
streams  of  mercy  into  my  drooping  soul. 
Scores  of  sinners  at  the  altar.  S.  Norton  pro- 
fesses to  have  obtained  the  pardon  of  her  trans- 
gressions.    Knowing  her  disposition,  I  am  led 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  89 

to  pray  that  she  may  stand  fast.  Surely  I 
may  ask  in  faith  for  the  conversion  of  all  my 
class  of  girls.  For  some  weeks  have  of  neces- 
sity been  much  occupied  with  temporal  con- 
cerns, but  they  have  not  moved  me  :  rather  they 
have  had  a  tendency  to  draw  me  more  closely 
to  Jesus. 

Sunday,  Oct.  30. — Left  my  pillow  ere  the 
day  dawned,  to  engage,  by  the  pensive  light  of 
the  moon,  in  holy  contemplation.  While  I 
gazed  upon  her  mild  face,  and  surveyed  the 
starry  heavens,  a  pleasing  calm  filled  my  breast, 
from  an  assurance  that  the  great  Author  and 
source  of  light,  life,  and  happiness  is  my  Fa- 
ther and  Friend.  During  the  present  month  I 
have  seen  the  goings  forth  of  his  almighty 
power.  This  part  of  his  heritage  is  still  wa- 
tered with  the  dews  of  heaven.  I  am  grieved 
that  many  of  our  members  manifest  so  little 
interest  in  this  important  work.  Lord,  stir  up 
those  who  are  at  ease  in  Zion.  Let  the  proud, 
the  vain,  and  gay  have  their  pleasures  r  my 
aspiring  soul  can  never  be  satisfied  with  a  su- 
perficial knowledge  of  the  depths  of  the  God- 
head. 

Nov.  9. — A  fever  deprives  me  of  class  meet- 
ing ;  but  Jesus  kindly  makes  up  every  defi- 
ciency. Last  Sabbath  four  of  my  friends,  whose 
salvation  I  have  wept  and  prayed  for,  united 
themselves  to  the  Church  militant.  May  they 
so  run  as  to  be  found  worthy  to  be  transplanted 
to  the  Church   triumphant. 

Nov.  20. — The  bright  beams  of  the  Sun  of 


90  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

righteousness  continually  illuminate  my  path. 
I  am  wafted  forward  on  the  smooth  waves  of 
peace.  Mr.  Pease  has  a  meeting  on  Saturday 
evening  for  the  benefit  of  those  under  serious 
impressions.  Twenty  inquiring  souls  present 
this  evening.  What  part  can  I  act  in  a  cause 
so  laudable  ?  My  timidity  would  lead  me  to 
hide  in  a  corner ;  but,  as  labourers  are  few,  I 
will  do  violence  to  my  feelings,  and  consent  to 
expose  my  ignorance.  "  Between  the  mount 
and  multitude  may  my  days  be  spent  in  doing 
or  receiving  good ;  rny  nights  in  prayer  and 
praise."  My  emotions  of  joy  are  damped  by 
the  irregular  walk  of  too  many  professors.  I 
am  fully  of  opinion  that  more  is  to  be  done  by 
example  than  by  precept.  Though  my  dear 
cousin,  D.  Ellis,  is  numbered  with  the  pale 
nations  under  ground,  his  holy  life  has  spoken 
to  the  heart  and  conscience  of  his  sister  Eliza. 
Reflection  on  his  uniformity  of  character  con- 
strained  her  to  make  an  open  profession  of  her 
attachment  to  the  cross  of  Christ.  May  she 
partake  largely  of  his  heavenly  mindedness. 
Lord  grant  that  my  walk  may  be  such  as  will 
have  a  salutary  influence  upon  all  whom  I  may 
have  intercourse  with.  I  have  frequent  cause 
of  sorrow  on  account  of  my  levity  and  want  of 
that  charity  which  suffereih  long,  and  is  kind 
I  want  to  be  saved  from  resting  in  externals, 
or  feeding  on  the  stale  manna  of  past  experi 
ence. 

"  Full  of  immortal  hope,  I  urge  the  restless  strife" 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  91 

Nov.  2*7. — My  friend,  M.  Wharton,  this 
morning,  with  four  others,  enlisted,  I  hope  for 
life,  in  the  war  for  Jesus.  Numbers  are  rang- 
ing themselves  under  his  blood-stained  ban- 
ners. God  forbid  any  should  prove  to  be  dead 
weights  to  the  society  they  are  uniting  with. 
I  am  "jealous  for  the  Lord  of  hosts."  My 
soul  sickens  to  witness  his  honour  stained  by 
his  professed  friends. 

Father  Hitt  is  gone  to  Abraham's  bosom  ! 
His  death,  as  his  life,  was  calm  and  peaceful. 

Dec.  10. — Lord,  I  am  not  what  I  ought, 
and  desire  to  be  ; — never  fully  answered  thy 
designs  and  purposes  in  my  creation.  Never, 
no  neve?',  can  I  be  satisfied  until  I  awake  in  the 
likeness  of  my  lovely  Saviour. — Spent  the 
morning  with  E.  North  in  visiting  the  sick 
and  needy.  Why  have  I  health,  home,  and 
friends  ?  It  is  no  more  than  my  reasonable 
service  to  render  my  little  all  to  the  Giver  of 
these  benefits. 

Dec.  13. — Reading  a  letter  from  Mr.  Fin- 
ley  addressed  to  our  Female  Missionary  So- 
ciety, inflamed  my  soul  with  new  ardour. 
Could  I  see  a  door  of  usefulness  open  in  the 
forest  wilds,  no  tie  should  be  so  binding,  or 
sacrifice  so  dear,  as  to  deter  me  from  devoting 
the  short  span  of  my  existence  in  communi- 
cating religious  knowledge  to  the  aborigines 
of  my  country. 

Dec.  25.  Christmas  evening. — Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest,  that  ever  Jesus  was  manifested 
in  the  flesh  to  take  away  the  sins  of  a  guilty 


92  DIARY  OF  KISS   BUNTING. 

world  !  I  rejoice,  above  all,. that  by  an  appli- 
cation of  bis  most  precious  blood,  the  deep 
struck  stains  of  inward  corruptions  have  been 
cancelled  and  my  poor  heart  washed  from  its 
natural  defilement.  I  have  continually  the 
testimony  of  the  Spirit  that  I  never  wilfully 
offend  God.  To  thy  grace,  O  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, and  to  Jesus  Christ,  thy  only  Son,  be  all 
the  praise. 

Meeting  with  R.  Armstrong,  who  was  with 
my  dear  cousin,  D.  Ellis,  during  his  last  mo- 
ments, caused  my  tears  to  flow  afresh.  While 
I  am  imprisoned  in  a  clay  tenement,  he  is 
chanting  a  hymn  of  praise  and  conquest  in  a 
purer  region.  He  has  already  obtained  the 
greatest  of  all  blessings.  My  soul  appeared 
to  follow  him  into  the  world  of  perfect  bless- 
edness. 

"  That  makes  our  joys  complete, 
There  wo  our  friends  shall  meet, — 

Jesus  is  there." 

Dec.  27. — Embraced  an  early  opportunity 
of  retiring  from  company  this  evening.  Infi- 
nitely sweeter  did  I  find  my  chamber,  where  I 
could  pour  my  sorrows  into  the  ear  of  my 
blessed  Lord.  What  should  I  do  in  this  world 
without  such  a  Friend?  In  his  light  I  see 
light. 

"  O  lead  ma  through  the  various  ways, 
My  doubtful  foot  are  doom'd  to  tread  ; 
And  spread  thy  shield's  protecting  blaze, 
When  dangers  throng  around  my  head," 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  93 

Jan.  1,  1826. — I  commence  this  year  under 
favourable  circumstances ; — bodily  health  far 
better  than  in  time  past  : — permitted  to  unite 
with  the  assembly  of  saints  in  spending  the  first 
moments  of  the  new  year  in  solemn  prayer.  I 
have  fixed  the  "  firm  resolve,"  God  being  my 
helper,  to  spend  the  little  shred  of  time  that  may 
yet  be  mine  below,  in  struggling  to  sink  into  a 
much  deeper  acquaintance  with  Jesus.  Surely 
he  will  pity  my  weakness,  and  be  with  me  in 
every  emergency.  His  grace  has  prevented 
me  for  eight  years  from  an  open  or  intentional 
violation  of  his  holy  law  :  especially  would  I 
offer  praise  for  the  perfect  peace  that  passeth 
human  understanding,  which  for  sixteen  months 
I  have  enjoyed.  I  often  drink  of  the  pure  river 
of  life.  Had  I  been  more  persevering,  ere  this 
I  might  have  obtained  a  fu'ler  baptism  of  the 
Spirit.  Mr.  Pease,  selecting  this  appropriate 
passage  for  consideration,  "  Watch  ye,  stand 
fast  in  the  faith,  quit  ye  like  men,  be  strong," 
inspired  me  with  fresh  energy.  Dr.  Sargent 
spoke  from,  "  All  the  way  the  Lord  hath  led 
me."  The  path  in  which  I  tread  is  bright- 
ening. 

"  My  spirit  panting  to  be  gone, 
Can  bid  the  tida  of  time  roll  on." 

Jan.  4. — Much  profited  at  Ebenezer  love- 
feast.  Several  fathers  in  Israel  spoke  delight- 
fully. How  encouraging  to  hear  that  Imma- 
nuel  had  kept  some  fifty,  others  sixty  years  in 
the   way   of    uprightness,      Passed    an    hour 


04  DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

profitably  conversing  with  my  much  devoted 
cousin,  H.  Ellis,  on  inward  holiness. 

"  Fain  would  I  rise  and  sing 
To  my  Redeemer  too  ; 
Fain  would  my  heart  adore  my  King, 
And  give  him  honour  due." 

Jan.  6. — Spent  part  of  this  day  in  company 
with  H.  Allibone.  I  believe  we  mutually  reaped 
much  benefit  while  engaged  for  Him  "who 
went  about  doing  good."  Got  a  farther  hold 
on  Jesus  while  praying  with  a  young  female 
who  is  wasted  to  a  skeleton  with  consumption. 
Satan  hath  used  his  utmost  to  ruffle  the  tran- 
quillity of  my  mind,  by  suggesting  that  my  con- 
fidence  will  fail  in  the  struggles  of  death  ;  yet 
why  let  the  darkness  of  the  narrow  passage 
which  leads  to  eternal  day  intimidate  my  soul? 
I  am  firmly  persuaded  that  in  the  final  moment 
God  will  suffer  no  gloomy  cloud  to  interpose 
between  me  and  the  glorious  object  of  my 
faith.  He  who  is  the  Divine  Author,  will  un- 
doubtedly become  the  complete  Finisher  of  my 
salvation.  "  My  fears  begone  ;  what  can  the 
Rock  of  ages  move  ?" 

Sunday,  Jan.  8. — Did  not  rise  in  as  spi- 
ritual a  frame  as  I  wished  :  my  mind  is  some- 
what perplexed.  Lord,  undertake  for  me : 
never  let  me  work  myself  out  of  thy  hands. 
Through  the  week  ignorantly  led  into  large 
companies.  True,  they  were  sanctioned  by 
the  presence  of  the  pious.  These  religious 
parties  have  too  much  the  semblance  of  the 
world.     I  wish  our  preachers  would  set  their 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  95 

faces  against  them.  I  will  use  the  little  influence 
I  may  have  to  prevent  every  thing  of  the  kind, 
and  care  not  if*  others  do  think  me  contracted 
in  my  views,  so  that  my  conscience  is  pure. 
O  my  God,  when  thus  unavoidably  exposed, 
give  me  something  profitable  to  say,  or  keep 
me  silent. 

Jan.  15. — A  day  of  refreshing  from  the  pre- 
sence of  my  Lord.  Mr.  Pease,  from  "The 
effect  of  righteousness,  quietness,  and  assurance 
for  ever."  How  sweetly  has  my  soul  verified 
the  truth  of  this  precious  promise.  Mr.  Pit- 
man this  afternoon,  from  "  Save  now,  I  beseech 
thee,  O  Lord :  O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee  send 
now  prosperity."  Yea,  my  Father  God,  even 
now  send  prosperity  to  my  panting  soul,  and 
let  grace  control  all  my  affections,  desires, 
thoughts ; — prayer  and  praise  be  my  constant 
employ. 

Feb.  5. — Truly  it  is  a  great  thing  to  be  a 
genuine  Christian.  I  sink  in  guiltless  shame 
before  God  from  a  sense  of  my  remissness. 
O  for  strength  to  shake  off  this  earthliness  of 
mind,  this  sluggishness  of  soul!  Blessed  Je- 
sus !  let  suns  and  moons  rise  and  set  apace, 
and  bring  a  lonesome  traveller  onward  to  her 
home.  Let  me  at  all  times  discern  the  path 
thou  wouldst  have  me  go. 

Feb.  13. 

"  Pardon'd  for  all  that  I  have  done, 
My  mouth  as  in  the  dust  I  hide." 

My  natural  disposition  is  very  irritable.     O 


90  DIARY    OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

to  be  more  guarded  in  my  expressions,  gentle 
in  my  commands,  alive  to  a  sense  of  my  own 
failings,  and  more  ready  to  bear  with  the  de- 
tects of  those  around  me.  I  am  often  sorrow, 
ful  that  the  things  which  are  seen  should  for 
one  moment  divert  my  mind  from  "  perfecting 
holiness  in  the  fear  of  God." 

Feb.  27 — Thank  God  for  the  rest  of  the 
Sabbath,  for  the  rest  of  faith,  and  for  a  bright 
prospect  of  eternal  rest.  My  bodily  infirmities 
make  me  regard  death  as  near.  I  fear  it  not. 
Why  should  I  dread  the  grave  ?  Jesus  hath 
tracked  the  way,  and  left  a  long  perfume  in 
that  bed.  Called  to  see  D.  Welsh,  who  has 
ruptured  a  blood  vessel.  Dear  child,  she  has 
the  holy  Comforter  to  sustain  her  in  this  hour 
of  trial.  I  was  led  to  praise  God  that  in  health 
she  ensured  peace  with  him  through  the  Re- 
deemer,  and  can  now  confidently  rejoice  in 
hope  of  his  glory. 

March  4. — Dr.  Sargent  preached  from, 
"  O  that  they  had  hearkened  to  my  command, 
ments,  then  had,"  &e.  The  latter  part  of  his 
subject  was  rendered  a  peculiar  blessing  to 
me.  What  am  I,  Father  of  mercies,  that  my 
peace  should  be  as  a  calm-flowing  river  !  May 
it  deepen  and  widen,  flow  onward,  and  still  on- 
ward,  until  it  shall  be  finally  lost  in  the  ocean 
of  eternal  felicity  ;  and  my  happy  spirit  be  en- 
closed in  the  city  of  the  living  God,  to  go  no 
more  out  !  My  soul  was  filled  with  heavenly 
sweetness  while  I  partook  at  the  banquet  of 
dying  love.    G  truly  I  prize  the  ordinances  of 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING,  97 

the  Lord's  house  above  my  daily  food. — Had 
a  pleasing  liberty  in  instructing  my  Sunday 
scholars.  May  all  my  powers  be  employed  in 
the  service  of  my  Master. 

March  8. — Awoke  this  morning  at  break  of 
day  :  not  well  in  body  ; — was  at  a  stand  whe- 
ther to  rise  and  attend  sunrise  meeting  ; — -did 
venture,  and  was  amply  repaid.  This  means 
of  grace  imparts  an  elevation  of  soulr  which 
continues  throughout  the  day. 

I  realize  death  as  approaching  with  rapid 
strides.  Soon  will  the  weary  wheels  of  life 
stand  still,  and  my  spirit  mingle  with  the  inha- 
bitants of  another  world.  There  I  shall  enjoy 
pleasure  without  a  mixture  of  pain,  or  any 
alloy. 

March  10. — I  would  acknowledge  God  in 
all  my  ways,  that  he  may  direct  my  paths. 
From  my  cradle  to  the  present  moment  I  can 
trace  his  more  than  maternal  care.  I  was 
never  blessed  with  the  example  cf  pious  pa- 
rents :  my  mother  was  snatched  from  me  in 
infancy  ; — no  recollection  of  a  mother's  fond- 
ness ;  a  stranger  to  her  love.  A  tender  father 
in  part  has  supplied  this  deficiency.  Above 
all,  Jesus  has  taken  me,  a  wild  olive  branch, 
and  grafted  me  into  the  good  olive,  from 
whence  I  derive  daily  nutriment. 

March  14. — I  this  day  witnessed  the  dedi- 
cation of  my  dear  cousin,  S.  Physick,  in  the 
solemn  ordinance  of  baptism. 

March  17. — "Thou  shaft  keep  him  in  per- 
fect peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee."  I 
7 


98  DIAKV   01    MISS  BUNTING. 

long  for  the  complete  fulfilment  of  this  pro- 
mise. Let  every  word  I  utter  minister  grace 
to  the  hearers ;  and  may  it  be  to  thy  glory  I 
have  professed  a  good  profession  before  many 
witnesses. 

March  20. — While  preparing  to  attend  a 
lovefeast,  an  awful  storm  of  thunder  arose  : 
the  rain  came  in  torrents.  I  had  the  temerity 
to  venture.  With  much  trembling  bore  a  pub- 
lie  testimony  for  my  Master.  At  the  close  of 
the  meeting  experienced  such  a  measure  of 
Divine  glory  as  filled  my  soul  with  an  ecstasy 
of  joy.  Soon  will  the  pinions  of  love  bear  me 
to  rest  in  the  bosom  of  Jesus.  While  I  con- 
template the  felicity  of  the  happy  dead,  a 
sombre  hue  is  cast  on  all  sublunary  objects. 

March  23. — For  two  weeks  it  lias  rained 
almost  incessantly.  Have  heard  many  say, 
"  What  gloomy  weather."  I  cannot  join  in 
the  complaint.  Sure  I  never  passed  so  happy 
a  month  ; — feel  to  adopt  the  language  of  one, 
and  say,  Could  every  stone,  timber,  and  nail  in 
my  room  speak,  they  would  bear  witness  to 
the  many  hours  of  sweet  communion  my  soul 
hath  spent  with  God.  I  converse  with  him  as 
a  man  with  a  friend. 

"  Not  life,  nor  all  the  toys  of  art, 
Nor  pleasure's  flowery  road, 
Can  to  my  soul  such  hliss  impart 
As  fellowship  with  God." 

March  25. — Learned  from  my  physician  that 
in  all  probability  health  blooms  no  more  for  me. 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  09 

Affliction  appears  to  be  the  portion  allotted  mo 
through  life. 

"  Thankful  I  take  the  cup 
Prepared  and  mingled  by  thy  skill." 

Not  ignorant  that  my  frail  nature  is  averse  to 
pain,  and  recoils  at  suffering  :  the  burden  of  my 
prayer  is,  for  grace  to  endure  hardness  as  a 
good  soldier.  My  wily  foe  takes  advantage  of 
my  bodily  weakness.  Awoke  two  nights  past 
in  the  utmost  distress.  The  powers  of  dark- 
ness  raged  :  perplex  they  did,  destroy  they 
could  not. 

March  20. — Easter  Sunday. — Reading  the 
last  chapter  of  St.  Luke  was  blessed  to  me. 
Come,  my  soul,  adore  the  Scattercr  of  thy 
fears ;  thy  rising  God  adore.  Oft  has  my 
heart  burned  while  contemplating  the  sinner's 
Friend  in  all  his  offices. 

April  6. — The  weather  being  remarkably 
fine,  I  have  walked  out  daily  for  the  benefit  of  air 
and  exercise.  Gladly  would  I  remain  within 
doors,  secluded  from  a  gay  noisy  world.  What 
the  Lord  ordains  is  right.  Going  through  a 
course  of  mercury  has  for  some  time  debilitated 
my  whole  system.  I  am  kept  in  peace  by  a 
simple  -adherence  to  the  Divine  will.  Main- 
tainingthis  frame  of  mind  I  can  walk  securely, 
though  the  billows  of  misfortune  beat  with  im- 
petuosity upon  my  fragile  bark  ;  perhaps  the 
next  wave  may  throw  me  into  port.  Glory 
to  God  for  the  prospect  of  gaining  an  early 
resting  'place. 


100  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

"  Strong  death  alone  can  heave  the  massy  bar, 
The  gross  impediment  of  clay  remove, 
And  make  us  embryos  of  existence  free." 

April  10. —  I  thank  thee,  Father,  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  for  the  mercy  thou  hast  ma- 
nifested toward  my  dear  sister  K.  May  her 
precious  babe  become  an  ornament  to  society, 
and  the  Church  of  the  Most  High. 

April  16. — Bishop  Soule  preached  this  morn- 
ing,  from,  "  All  the  promises  of  God  are  yea, 
and  in  him  Amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God  by 
us."  This  sermon  will  undoubtedly  stand  by 
me  through  life.  Mr.  Alder,  afternoon,  from 
Phil,  iii,  20,  21  :  "  For  our  conversation  is  in 
heaven,"  &c.  My  soul  was  lifted  far  above 
time,  while  he  discoursed  from  this  cheering 
passage. 

"  Absent,  alas  !  from  God, 
I  in  the  body  mourn  ; 
And  pine  to  quit  this  mean  abode, 
And  languish  to  return." 

April  22. — The  word  of  Divine  truth,  dis- 
pensed by  the  ambassadors  of  Christ,  during 
the  sitting  of  the  conference,  was  much  blessed 
to  me.  Parting  with  my  dear  cousins,  D.  and 
L.,  was  keenly  felt — expect  to  meet  in  the  same 
glory.  Now  I  am  more  alone,  employ  myself 
entirely  in  prayer  to  God,  that  my  life  may  be- 
come a  constant  progress  toward  heaven. 

May  20. — I  am  still  flogged  with  disease, 
and  find  it  difficult  at  all  times  to  rise  above 
the  pressure ;    especially  in    secret   does  this 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  101 

languor  trouble  me ;  yet  possess  a  pleasing 
calm  from  a  consciousness  that  I  have  no  other 
desire  than  to  please  my  God :  which  Fenelon 
says  is  a  continual  prayer.  Again  commenced 
meeting  my  children  of  the  Sabbath  school  on 
Saturday  afternoons — pleasing  employ  !  As- 
tonishing that  one  so  young  as  Eliza  A.  Taylor 
should  have  such  liberty  in  prayer.  This  is 
more  than  I  expected.  How  it  animates  me 
to  redouble  my  fidelity  in  this  laudable  cause. 

May  29. — Struggling  to  live  above  the  cares 
and  sorrows  of  this  world  ;  not  daring  for  one 
moment  to  depend  upon  past  or  present  feeling, 
1  preserve  a  settled  assurance  by  relying  on 
the  word  of  God.  Friends  may  change,  but 
Jehovah  is  immutable.  Consoling  reflection  ! 
I  will  hang  all  my  cares  on  his  almighty  arm, 
and  "be  careful  for  nothing." 

June  12.— Left  my  pillow  at  four  o'clock. 
Dr.  Dunn  lectured  this  morning  from,  "Ye 
are  the  salt  of  the  earth."  Were  it  not  for 
the  prayers  of  the  pious,  Jehovah's  fierce  in- 
dignation would  be  poured  upon  a  sinful  world. 
Did  professors  live  as  they  ought,  what  an 
amazing  work  would  be  witnessed.  Time  was 
when  most  of  our  members  rested  not  until  they 
obtained  the  hope  of  their  calling  ;  now  too 
many  view  holiness  as  a  distant,  twinkling  star. 
It  is  because  the  mercy  of  God  endureth  for 
ever,  that  we  are  not  consumed, 

July  12. — Midnight,,  At  this  silent  hour  I 
would  snatch  a  few  moments  for  self-examina- 
tion.    Shall  I  never  obtain  deliverance  from 


102  DIARY  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

hurry  of  spirit  ?  testiness,  and  impatience  under 
contradiction  my  soul  abhors  ;  yet  how  often 
do  I  depart  from  my  own  principles.  This  day 
I  detected  myself  in  giving  a  hasty  answer. 
Did  anger  ruffle  me? — fear  I  have  not  escaped 
altogether  unhurt.  I  groan  to  avoid  even  the 
appearance  of  evil. 

July  18. — Lord  Jesus,  in  this  abstracted 
hour,  draw  near,  and  free  me  from  all  that 
might  tend  to  shackle  or  unhinge  my  mind. 
May  I  no  longer  suffer  from  the  baneful  influ- 
ence of  inbred  sin.  Why  is  it  that  so  little 
time  is  spent  by  me  in  preparing  for  eternitv  [ 
I  most  sincerely  and  devoutly  ask  for  power  to 
improve  that  immense  "  revenue  which  every 
moment  pays."  Though  so  many  ways  are 
afforded  me  for  improvement,  I  remain  igno- 
rant of  many  of  those  things  that  make  for  my 

peace. 

July  19.— This  evening  at  the  lovefeast  I 
sat  deploring  the  backwardness  of  those  who 
should  have  stood  forth  as  God's  faithful  wit- 
nesses. I  began  to  fear  my  burden  was  in  a 
measure  caused  by  an  unwillingness  to  bear  my 
own  part  of  the  cross — made  an  attempt  to  own 
my  royal  Master,  but,  on  sitting  down,  shame 
burned  upon  my  cheek  that  I  had  not  done  it 
more  worthy  of  him.  I  am  often  at  a  loss 
whether  I  am  to  do,  or  not  to  do  ;  my  suffering 
of  soul  on  this  subject  is  only  known  to  God, 
Let  my  path  be  pointed  out,  and  cost  what  it 
may,  I  will  endeavour  to  pursue  it. 

July  29. — A  larger  earnest  of  heaven  was 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTlNO.  10S 

given  this  morning  at  the  five  o'clock  lecture. 
Was  pleased  with  the  attendance  and  attention 
of  my  scholars.  Mr.  Durbin  painted  the  Sa- 
viour's sufferings  in  the  garden  in  a  manner  I 
never  heard  before.  Mysterious  !  My  heart 
was  overcharged  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  con- 
descension of  the  Lamb  of  God,  in  baring  his 
bosom  to  receive  the  stroke  due  to  guilty  man. 
He  felt  the  weight  of  the  wrath  of  God  ;  and 
"who  knoweth  the  power  of  his  wrath!" — 
Bishop  M'Kendree  preached  an  appropriate  dis- 
course to  our  Sunday  schools. 

Hilton,  July  24. — Accept,  my  God,  a  tribute 
of  praise  for  the  gratification  of  meeting  this 
beloved  family.  Make  our  interview  as  iron 
sharpening  iron,  that  we  each  may  apprehend 
that  for  which  we  are  apprehended  by  Christ 
Jesus.  While  here  enable  me  to  show  forth, 
by  every  word  and  action,  the  fruit  of  holiness. 

Crosswick's  Camp  Ground,  July  30. — While 
here  assembled  my  expectations  have  been 
fully  realized  ;  the  weather  has  been  remark- 
ably fine — my  health  far  better  than  when 
housed  in  the  city.  The  word  of  life  sounds 
melodiously  :  sinners  arc  falling  under  the  power 
of  the  Highest. 

July  31. — E.  Ellis  and  C.  Wright  emerged 
this  day  from  the  gloom  of  nature's  night — 
may  they  never  abuse  their  Gospel  liberty. 
Mr.  Stout  preached  from,  "  Ye  have  hewn  out 
broken  cisterns,"  and  Mr.  Pitman  exhorted. 
Professors  crowded  into  the  altar.  I  was  led 
closelv  to  investigate  my  state.     The  review 


104  DIARY    OF    MISS    BUNTING. 

caused  me  to  lick  the  dust.  I  wept  and  made 
supplication  before  God.  A  peaceful  answer 
flowed  from  the  Divine  throne,  and  abundantly 
strengthened  and  refreshed  my  spirit. 

Trenton,  August  0. — Came  here  to  quar- 
terly meeting — fear  I  rested  too  much  on  the 
means  ; — not  enough  engaged  for  myself — dul- 
ness  and  wandering  were  my  besetments. — 
Lord,  guard  and  cover  my  defenceless  head 
with  the  shadow  of  thy  wing. 

Hilton,  Aug.  7. — This  has  been  an  hour  of 
peace  and  solemn  nearness  to  my  God  :  he  has 
raised  my  stupid  soul  in  heavenly  enjoyment. 
The  quiet  which  surrounds  this  spot  is  in  unison 
with  the  feelings  of  my  mind.  In  the  city, 
cares,  as  Baxter  remarks,  affect  my  spirits,  as 
the  scorching  sun  doth  wither  the  most  delicate 
flowers :  here  I  am  exempt  :  but  O,  eternity 
affords  one  a  still  more  glorious  prospect. 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  8. — My  path  is  strewed 
with  many  mercies ;  not  among  the  least  I 
esteem  an  opportunity  of  uniting  with  thousands 
to  worship  the  God  of  Israel.  Solemn  sight  to 
view  the  great  congregation  unitedly  groaning 
for  a  deepening  of  the  work  of  grace  !  it  was 
just  such  a  work  as  my  soul  longed  to  behold. 
Exposed  to  several  heavy  rains  while  in  the 
grove,  but  my  life  and  health  were  precious  in 
the  eye  of  Heaven.  Had  during  this  meeting 
uncommon  manifestations  of  the  love  of  God 
in  Christ  Jesus,  and  often  my  evidences  of  the 
Divine  favour  much  brightened.  Such  liberty 
of  soul    I    never    before  experienced.     Have 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  105 

daily  discoveries  of  my  own  weakness,  and  find 
no  resources  in  myself. .  Mercy,  mercy  is  my 
only  plea. 

Sept.  14. — Was  present  to  witness  the  closing 
scene  of  my  dear  uncle  Philip  Bunting's  life. 
Very  few  have  been  blessed  with  greater  earthly 
prosperity.  He  was  strictly  attentive  to  the 
rules  of  the  society  of  Friends,  and  a  true  be- 
liever  in  the  divinity  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  His 
enjoyments,  I  trust,  were  not  bounded  by  this 
narrow-  spot  of  earth. 

Sept.  15. — My  soul  was  lifted  above  the 
world  this  morning,  while  Dr.  Dunn  spoke 
from,  "  Both  to  hope,  and  quietly  wait  for  the 
salvation  of  God."  This  afternoon  hundreds 
of  children  assembled  at  the  academy  to  hear 
Mr.  Cookman,  that  able  advocate  of  the  Sab- 
bath  school  cause. 

Sept.  16. — What  a  heaven  upon  earth  did  I 
this  evening  experience  in  E.  Yard's  class. 
While  he  approached  the  mercy  seat,  it  was 
evident  he  realized  God  very  near.  Such  ex- 
pressions of  reverential  confidence  far  sur- 
pass the  common  manner  of  prayer.  Con- 
sidering the  various  means  I  enjoy,  I  am 
grieved  at  the  slow  progress  I  make  in  Chris- 
tian attainments. 

Sept.  17. — I  do  not  serve  God  for  naught : 
he  has  not  sent  me  a  warfare  on  my  own 
charges  ;  yet  out  of  Christ  I  am  poor,  beyond 
expression  poor.  The  hold  1  have  upon  life  is 
very  feeble:  O,  to  be  ready  for  death.  Through 
grace,    I    fear    not    his   cold  embrace.      Mr, 


106  DIARY   OF  HISS   BUNTING. 

Pease  has  again  commenced  a  meeting  on 
Saturday  evening,  to  converse  with  penitents. 
Dear  brother  C.  accompanied  me  this  evening  : 
the  concern  I  feel  on  his  account  is  onlv  known 
to  God. 

Sept.  20. — O  God,  my  Father,  with  thine 
aid  I  resolve  to  embrace  every  cross ;  teach  me 
what  to  do,  or  suffer  to  become  more  deeply 
baptized  into  the  spirit  of  Christ.  I  entirely 
abandon  myself  to  the  Spirit's  teaching.  This 
evening,  with  trembling,  united  myself  with 
Mrs.  Dunn  and  others,  in  a  social  meeting  in 
the  form  of  a  band  :  may  it  result  in  the  build- 
ing  up,  and  entire  sanctification  of  many  souls. 

Sept.  29. — Mr.  Cookman  from,  "Right- 
eousness,  temperance,  and  judgment,"  <Vc. 
The  last  head  was  awfully  solemn. 

"  He  comes,  he  comes,  the  judge  severe, 
The  seventh  trumpet  speaks  him  near." 

Oct.  1. — Rose  as  the  first  beams  of  light 
streaked  the  horizon.  Dr.  Dunn  lectured  from, 
"  Go,  and  sin  no  more."  Ability  to  do  this 
is  what  I  look  and  wait  for.  I  know  I  live 
measurably  in  the  Spirit ;  but  O.  to  walk  in  the 
full  flow  of  Divine  influence  continually,  under 
the  most  discouraging  circumstances,  is  what 
I  want.  I  dwell  in  a  world  liable  to  constant 
revolutions  ;  yet,  glory  to  God,  I  am  journey- 
ing to  a  land  where  the  inhabitants  experience 
no  change  except  it  be  from  glory  to  glory. 

Nov,  5. — Felt  a  gracious  influence  while 
Dr.  D.  lectured  from,  "  How  is  it  ye  do  not 
believe  ?"     To  God  be  honour  and  glory  ever- 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTIXO.  107 

lasting  for  putting  me  in  the  way  of  s'un\)\efaitk. 
Dr.  D.'s  meeting  lias  proved  a  blessed  means 
of  assisting  me  to  seek  after  the  inestimable 
pearl  of  perfect  love. 

Nov.  8. — Mr.  Sheer  discoursed  from,  "Fight 
the  good  fight  of  faith."  I  feel  roused  to  exert 
all  the  feeble  energies  I  possess  in  this  glorious 
warfare.  The  insidious  tempter  has  thrusted 
sorely  at  me  when  using  the  public  means.  Bat 
when  I  meet  with  my  naked  heart  in  private,  I 
find  nothing  lost  in  the  conflict  but  the  dross. 
Yes,  "  my  foes  must  fly,  while  I  can  simply 
raise  the  shield  of  faith,  or  wield  the  Spirit's 
sword."  I  am  much  exposed  ;  turn  where  I 
may,  there  is  danger.  I  would  be  always  on 
the  look  out,  and  calmly  wait  for  succour  from 
above.  Lord,  give  me  skill,  courage,  vigilance, 
and  humility  in  the  contest,  that  I  may  put  to 
flight  the  armies  of  the  aliens,  and  "  laugh  to 
scorn  their  cruel  power." 

Nov.  9. — In  class  my  heart  melted  as  wax, 
before  the  flame.  The  great  Supreme  was  in 
the  midst  of  us. 

Nov.  14. — My  soul  has  had  calm  repose  in 
God  this  day  in  class.  Every  power  of  my 
mind  and  body  was  sweetly  tranquillized  ;  in  the 
eyening  more  abundantly  watered  while  I  lis. 
tened  to  Mr.  S.,  from,  "Grow  in  grace." 

Nov.  17.-— Mr.  Pearce  preached  from, — 
"We  are  pilgrims  and  strangers,"  &c. ;  and  in 
the  afternoon  T.  B.  Sargent  addressed  our  Sab. 
bath  school,  One  of  our  teachers  was  deeply 
awakened, 


108  DIARY   OF  MISS  HUNTING. 

Saturday,  Dec.  2. — While  engaged  in  prayer 
with  my  Sunday  scholars,  I  was  almost  carried 
out  of  myself,  and  the  veil  which  hides  the 
glories  of  the  invisible  world  appeared  very 
thin. 

Dec.  3. — This  day  and  week  has  been  a  sea- 
son of  deep  abasement.  How  inexplicable  are 
my  exercises  !  Yesterday  my  soul  was  filled 
with  heavenly  ardours  ;  this  morning,  even  at 
my  Father's  board,  I  was  dull,  and  compara- 
tively barren  ;  yet  my  heart  stands  fast,  believ- 
ing hi  the  Lord. 

Dec.  10. — Mr.  Pease  preached  with  much 
liberty  from,  "  O  Lord,  revive  thy  work."  I 
was  weighed  down  with  a  consciousness  of  my 
own  necessities  and  the  dearth  in  the  society. 
Let  not  our  enemies  rejoice  against  us,  O  God. 
Glory  to  God  !  there  are  still  many  whose  gar- 
ments are  not  defiled,  and  whose  knees  do  not 
bow  to  Baal. 

After  a  day  of  toil  and  trial,  quickened  anew 
at  lovefeast.  Mrs.  Harmstead  told  us  she  was 
fifteen  years  drinking  wormwood  and  gall  ;  all 
within  her  revolted  at  shouting  the  high  praise 
of  God  ;  but  when  the  pardon  of  sin  was  sealed, 
with  a  loud  voice  she  glorified  him.  One  3rear 
after,  felt  the  impression  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
cleansing  her  heart  from  sin.  Twenty-three 
years  she  was  a  witness  of  "  perfect  love,"  Be. 
fore  she  received  this  blessing  she  was  chained 
down  with  the  fear  of  man,  I  was  so  filled  at 
the  close  of  the  meeting,  that  I  was  insensible 
to  earth  and  its  cares, 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  109 

Dec.  17. — Mr.  Lybrand  preached  this  morn- 
iiig  from,  "  If  we  confess  our  sins,  God  is  faith- 
ful and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse 
us  from  all  unrighteousness."  He  dwelt 
largely  on  evil  speaking  ;  declared  the  perfect 
love  of  God  never  could  reside  in  a  heart  that 
failed  in  this  branch  of  Christian  charity.  O 
the  stupendous  height  of  Christian  perfection  ! 
I  am  at  least  struggling  to  scale  the  mount. 
Great  Father  !  thou  art  acquainted  with  my 
state,  trials,  and  desires  ;  and  my  groanings 
are  not  hid  from  thee. 

Dec.  20. — Jesus,  my  Mediator,  emptied  him- 
self for  my  sake,  and  has  made  me  nearer  akin 
to  him  than  angels  are,  and  therefore  more 
like  him. 

"He  calls  a  worm  his  friend  ; 
Ho  calls  himself  my  God." 

Dec.  21. — In  my  closet  felt  of  a  truth  that 
God  was  eminently  near.  Such  a  ravishing 
foretaste  of  the  bliss  of  heaven  was  granted  as 
made  me  extremely  loth  to  leave  the  hallowed 
spot,  and  return  to  earth  and  its  low  concerns. 

Dec.  24. — Conscience  is  more  tender.  In- 
firmities, so  called,  which  I  once  indulged  in 
without  compunction,  now  appear  hateful  to 
me.  Lord  Jesus,  teach  me  the  art  of  holy 
living. 

Dec.  25.  Christmas  Day. — Five  o'clock 
meeting  was  honoured  by  the  presence  of  the 
King  of  saints.  One  of  our  male  teachers,  who 
has  Io:ig  been  burdened  with  sin,  found  redemp- 


110  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

tion  in  the  blood  and  merits  of  Jesus.  I  cele- 
brate the  advent  of  my  Redeemer  with  a  heart 
filled  with  a  joyful  assurance  that  Christ  is  my 
only  portion,  heaven  my  home,  and  the  way  of 
God's  commandments  my  chief  delight. 

Dec.  30. — Dr.  Dunn,  at  six  o'clock  this  morn- 
ing  from,  "Be  ye  sober,  for  the  end  of  all  things 
is  at  hand."  How  appropriate  his  allusions  to 
the  dying  year. 

Jan.  1, 1827. — God  is  my  record,  and  angels 
my  witnesses,  that  on  the  first  hour  of  this  year 
I  did  sincerely,  solemnly,  and  devoutly,  in  the 
might  of  Him  who  keepeth  Israel — with  a  glad 
heart  and  free,  surrender  my  freedom,  friends, 
health,  and  fame,  with  all  my  soul  and  body's 
powers,  and  engage  that  the  residue  of  my  days 
and  hours  shall  be  solely  employed  in  the  ser- 
vice of  Him  whose  fatherly  care  hath  kept  me 
unhurt  amid  ten  thousand  snares  and  deaths. 
While  my  mind  was  wown  back  on  the  clos- 
ing year,  I  felt  to  say  it  had  been  the  most 
peaceful  one  of  my  life. 

Jan.  16. — Much  encouraged  in  meeting  my 
interesting  scholars.  Dear  girls,  their  tears 
and  groans  evinced  what  they  felt.  I  trust  the 
moments  I  thus  spend  in  reading,  conversing, 
and  praying  with  them  will  not  be  altogether 
in  vain. 

Jan.  17. — -I  viewed  with  intense  gratitude  the 
mercies  with  which  I  am  surrounded  while  visit, 
ing  tlio.se  who  are  pining  on  sick  beds. 

Jan.  20. — Obtained  this  evening  what  I  have 
long  wrestled  for, — an  entire  indifference  to  the 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  Ill 

opinions  of  others.  The  praise  or  dispraise  of 
men  is  nothing  to  me,  if  God  but  approbate  my 
conduct.  Upon  inquiry  into  my  heart,  I  know 
I  love  obscurity  and  silence,  and  dread  ap- 
plause. 

Jan.  21. — Went  this  afternoon,  by  urgent 
request,  to  visit,  as  I  had  understood,  a  Mrs. 
J.,  who  was  in  poverty,  and  nigh  unto  death. 
I  found  her  indeed  ill,  and  unprepared  for  eter- 
nity ;  but  in  affluent  circumstances.  Being  a 
stranger,  I  felt  the  awkwardness  of  my  situation, 
but  dared  not  shrink  from  duty.  I  trust  I  was 
enabled  to  deal  faithfully  with  her  ;  the  event 
I  leave  with  God. 

Jan.  23. — Though  much  enervated  by  dis- 
ease of  body,  I  attended  Dr.  Dunn's  lecture. 
He  spoke  exactly  to  my  case,  from,  "  Put  on 
strength."  My  mind  was  led  to  contemplate 
the  power  of  the  greatj  AM  ;  which  is  as  as- 
tonishingly displayed  iJrcreating  and  sustaining 
the  smallest  animalcule,  as  in  hanging  this 
vast  globe  upon  nothing,  and  marshalling  the 
whole  solar  system. 

Mr.  Holdich  preached  this  evening  from, 
"  The  Lord  reigneth,"  &c.  Man  is  apt  to  es- 
timate events  by  reference  to  time  ;  God  go- 
verns all  things  by  reference  to  eternity. 

Feb.  1.—--S.  Physick  and  myself  were  fa- 
voured tu  hear  Mr.  Cookman  from,  "  Thou  art 
a  teacher  come  from  God."  His  sermon  was 
designed  fur  Sabbath  school  teachers.  I  esteem 
it  an  honour  to  be  found  ntmrnSered  among  tho 
instructors  of  young  immortals.     O  how  much 


112  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

is  required  to  qualify  me  to  fill  this  office  ! 
Let  my  soul  cast  itself  on  God,  and  adventure 
there  all  its  weights  and  cares. 

Feb.  18.  Saturday  afternoon. — The  room 
filled  with  my  little  charge  of  girls  ;  serious, 
and  many  much  affected.  I  find  an  inadequacy 
in  language  to  express  the  feelings  of  my  heart, 
in  having  three  of  these  dear  children  to  assist 
me  in  prayer  for  those  who  are  younger  than 
themselves. 

Feb.  19. — Went  by  the  silver  moonbeams  to 
Dr.  Dunn's  lecture.  The  manner  in  which  he 
explained  these  words,  "  Be  it  unto  you  accord- 
ing to  your  faith,"  deserves  the  most  serious 
attention.  Many  persons,  on  finding  in  the 
sacred  volume  how  much  importance  is  attached 
to  faith,  expect  it  will  require  a  long  explanation. 
Alas !  how  many  are  led  into  mazes  of  diffi- 
culty by  mixing  with  faith,  obedience,  love, 
meekness,  &c,  &c,  which  do  not  belong  to  its 
nature,  but  are  the  fruits  of  faith,  and  its  ne- 
cessary consequences.  This  is  to  put  the  effect 
in  the  place  of  the  cause. 

Susan  Physick  and  myself  passed  the  after- 
noon in  visiting  the  sick.  O  that  this  dear 
girl  may  continue  in  this  path,  and  throw  her 
influence,  leisure,  and  wealth  into  the  scale  of 
practical  Christianity. 

Feb.  22. — God  revealed  himself  to  me  in  an 
unusual  manner  at  Mrs.  D.'s  prayer  meeting. 
All  present  professed  to  be  renewed  in  right- 
eousness and  true  holiness.  Dear  E.  Wat- 
kinson  appears  to  be  ripening  for  glory.     Her 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  113 

manner  in  prayer  is  truly  solemn.  How  blessed 
is  Christian  communion !  With  what  holy 
alacrity  and  fortitude  does  it  inspire  the  soul, 
while  tossed  on  the  billows  of  this  tempestuous 
life,  to  unite  with  those  whose  hopes,  fears,  and 
joys  are  one,  and  are  all  aiming  for  the  same 
happy  country  ! 

March  10. — Lovefeast  at  Nazareth.  Met 
by  my  God  in  a  very  gracious  manner — made 
known  to  him  my  exercises  respecting  leaving 
home,  and  obtained  an  assurance  that  he  would 
be  with  me. 

March  13. — Every  barrier  is  now  removed, 
and  I  see  no  reason  why  I  may  not  visit  Balti- 
more. I  would,  with  the  strictest  scrutiny,  in- 
quire  into  the  motives  by  which  I  am  actuated  ; 
these  are  to  visit  the  tomb  of  my  dear  and  la- 
mented cousin,  D.  Ellis,  to  show  love  and 
respect  for  his  lonely  widow,  who  is  in  every 
sense  a  true  mourner ;  having  in  the  short  space 
of  three  years  buried  a  beloved  husband,  mo- 
ther, and  an  only  sister.  I  expect  also  to  be 
edified  by  associating  with  the  holy  persons  I 
have  so  often  heard  are  to  be  found  among  the 
Methodists  in  this  city. 

Chesapeake  Bay,  March  16. — On  board  the 
steamboat,  and  aground,  three  o'clock,  A.  M. 
Sleep  I  cannot  court  :  at  the  cabin  window  I 
sit  and  gaze  at  the  broad  expanse  of  waters, 
lighted  up  with  the  silver  moonbeams.  I  exult 
in  the  consciousness  that  He  who  holds  the  winds 
in  his  fist  is  my  Father,  and  is  now  watching 
over  me  for  good.  O  may  I  breathe  no  longer 
8 


114  DIAKY    OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

than  I  breathe  my  soul  in  praise  to  Him  who 
thus  deigns  to  protect  a  worm  ot"  earth. 

Baltimore,  March  18. — Met  a  kind  reception 
from  my  dear  cousin  Ann.  I  was  much  affected 
by  reading  a  sketch  of  Daniel  E.'s  life,  in  the 
tenth  report  of  the  Sabbath  school :  so  truly  he 
died  a  martyr  to  this  cause.  There  is  no  doubt 
but  that  he  laid  the  foundation  of  his  disease 
by  walking  seven  miles,  and  sometimes  having 
to  ford  a  stream  to  superintend  a  Sunday 
school  at  the  foundry.  My  cousin  had  a  heart 
ready  prepared  for  every  good  work  :  he  was 
humble,  holy,  and  devout. 

Sunday,  March  20. — -A woke  with  these  words 
sounding  in  my  ears,  "  My  soul  longeth,  yea, 
fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house." 
At  Eutaw  church  this  morning,  heard  Mr. 
Painter  from,  "  If  we  say  we  have  no  sin,  we 
deceive  ourselves,"  &c.  I  felt  the  overshadow, 
ings  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Monday  evening. — Select'  prayer  meeting  at 
Wesley  chapel.  Many  mourners  were  crying 
for  mercy  :  prayer  and  the  singing  very  ani- 
mating.    Lord  revive,— 

"  O  re  vivo  thy  work  in  me, 
All  my  help  must  come  from  thee." 

Wednesday. — Attended  Mr.  Armstrong's 
class — one  of  the  best  of  leaders.  I  was  built 
up  by  the  experience  of  the  members. 

Thursday. — Attended  an  interesting  female 
meeting.  Miss  Huet  is  the  leader  of  the  meet- 
ing, which  is  composed  of  members  of  different 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  115 

denominations.  An  Episcopalian  lady  spoke 
with  much  feeling.  This  union  to  me  was  very 
sweet : 

"  'Twas  the  solemn  feast  of  feeling, 
'Tvvas  the  Sabbath  of  the  soul." 

Afternoon  at  Dr.  Bond's  class.  I  was  cheered 
by  my  Father's  gracious  presence.  My  dearest 
wish  is  that  he  may  abide  for  ever  with  me, 
and  keep  me  for  ever  near  himself. 

March  25. — At  Eutaw  heard  Mr.  Steel  from, 
"  I  and  my  house  will  serve  the  Lord."  After- 
noon visited  a  Sabbath  school  with  Miss  Sarah 
M'Conner — much  pleased  with  the  ideas  given 
by  the  children  on  a  text  of  Scripture. 

Sunday. — Bishop  Roberts  preached  from, 
"  My  peace  1  leave  with  you,"  &c.  My  soul 
was  glad  to  realize  that  I  had  been  made  to 
participate  of  a  portion  of  the  last  legacy  of  my 
dying  Lord.  I  was  favoured  with  believing 
views  of  him  at  the  sacrament.  Afternoon  at 
the  Sunday  school.  Fifty  children  were  crying 
for  mercy,  and  one  found  peace. 

Monday  afternoon. — Was  at  Mr.  Evans* 
class,  composed  of  those  who  walk  the  hum- 
bier  paths  of  life  ;  a  soil  I  believe  most  conge- 
nial  with  a  growth  in  grace.  Mrs.  Kennedy 
was  a  clear  witness  of  the  great  salvation  from 
all  indwelling  sin.  I  felt  a  sweet  union  with 
her.  The  time  we  were  together  some  wept, 
while  others  rejoiced  ;  my  soul  shared  largely, 
and  was  steadfastly  fixed  upon  the  Hope  of 
Israel. 


116  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Friday. — Attended  Mr.  Flint's  class — much 
pleased  with  one  of  his  members,  being  the  only 
one  of  her  family  willing  to  bear  the  cross.  She 
regularly  attended  to  family  devotion  :  it  re- 
sulted in  the  conversion  of  four  of  the  house- 
hold.    Nothing  like  being  bold  for  Christ. 

Wednesday. — Sister  A.  Guinn  called,  and 
we  visited  two  apparently  on  the  verge  of  time. 
Afternoon  at  Dr.  Roberts'  class.  While  I  sat 
musing,  the  mercies  of  my  God  so  passed  before 
me,  as  caused  grateful  tears  to  flow  down  my 
cheek. 

Friday. — Appointed  as  a  day  of  fasting, 
which  my  health  does  not  allow  ;  yet  I  can  ab- 
stain from  pleasant  food.  It  shall  be  a  season 
of  devout  mourning.  I  will  humble  and  afflict 
my  soul  before  God  for  my  sins,  with  all  their 
aggravations.  Let  me  also  bewail  the  incon- 
sistencies of  many  professors  of  Christianity, 
and  cry  aloud  to  God  to  build  up  Zion,  and 
cause  his  face  to  shine  upon  her  desolations. 
And  when  I  think  of  the  condition  of  a  guilty, 
sinking  world,  my  soul  is  overwhelmed  with 
sorrow.  O,  my  heavenly  Father,  at  the  be- 
ginning of  my  supplications  let  the  command- 
ment go  forth  to  save  them.  Every  moment 
of  this  blessed  day  my  mind  has  been  so  shut 
in  with  God  as  I  had  before  scarce  thought 
attainable. 

Wednesday. — At  Mr.  Alfred's  class — truly 
his  were  living  members.  A  mother  and  her 
two  daughters  professed  to  enjoy  the  witness 
of  sanctification.     Her  husband  and  sons  are 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  117 

equally  devoted.  Some  call  them  "  the  holy 
family  ;"  I  think  they  may  justly  be  termed  a 
happy  one.  The  sister,  in  whose  house  this 
class  is  held,  accommodates  four  classes. 
What  an  example  to  others  !  I  have  always 
thought  it  would  be  my  chief  delight  to  open 
my  house,  if  I  possessed  one,  for  the  worship  of 
God. 

Thursday. — I  was  at  Mr.  Brundage's  class. 
He  can  readily  point  out  the  path  of  holiness, 
living  as  he  does  in  the  daily  enjoyment  of  it 
himself.  The  scenes  of  eternity  were  brought 
very  near  this  afternoon  on  visiting  the  sad, 
solitary  spot  where  the  sacred  relics  of  my 
cousin,  D.  Ellis,  lie.  On  coming  to  the  grave- 
yard  we  were  at  a  loss  how  to  enter  ;  the  diffU 
culty  was,  however,  removed  by  the  approach 
of  the  porter,  an  old  black  man,  whose  head 
was  frosted  by  the  snows  of  many  winters.  I 
could  scarce  imagine  a  more  lovely  picture  :  the 
sun  just  declining  ;  a  river  murmuring  slowly 
by  the  mansions  of  the  silent  dead  ;  the  contrast 
between  the  white  marble  and  rich  verdure 
of  the  grass  ;  many  of  the  little  hillocks  almost 
covered  with  flowers  and  rose  trees,  no  doubt 
planted  by  some  friendly  hand,  all  combined, 
made  this  to  me  an  interesting  view.  My  cousin 
pointed  out  the  three  narrow  houses  where 
nearly  all  dear  to  her  was  deposited.  Various 
emotions  swelled  my  bosom.  Dwelling  on 
Daniel's  departure  caused  tears  to  flow,  but  they 
were  not  unmingled  with  joy.  No,  he  has  taken 
a  noble  flight, 


118  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Sunday.— Mr.  Ryland  preached  from,  "  For 
God  commendeth  his  love,"  &c.  My  soul  was 
influenced  with  love  to  my  Divine  Mediator. 
Conscious  I  do  not  meditate  enough  on  the 
great  things  he  hath  done  for  me,  I  will  endea- 
vour to  dwell  more  on  this  blessed  theme.  It 
shall-  also  be  my  aim  when  I  sing  to  feel  the 
full  import  of  the  words.  Mr.  Ryland  told  us 
that  not  long  since  he  visited  a  sister  suffering 
with  a  cancer,  who  was  dropping  piecemeal 
into  the  grave ;  yet  she  was  as  happy  as  a 
princess.  On  one  occasion  she  expressed  some 
concern  for  her  family.  He  remarked  that  the 
"promise  was  to  her  and  her  children."  She 
was  never  heard  to  mention  the  subject  again. 
Just  before  she  expired,  on  being  asked  for  a 
sign  if  she  still  saw  her  passport  clear,  she 
raised  both  hands,  and  looking  at  her  nails  where 
the  blood  had  settled,  she  exclaimed,  "Ah! 
lovely  appearance  of  death."  O,  my  Father, 
continue  to  befriend  me  while  gliding  down  the 
stream  of  time  ;  but  be  more  eminently  near 
when  the  fires  of  life  are  about  to  be  extin- 
guished, and  my  feeble  frame  is  called  to  endure 
the  awful  shock  of  dying. 

Monday. — The  greater  part  of  the  time  1 
have  been  here  has  been  spent  in  the  sanctuary. 
Many  days,  in  time  of  the  conference,  I  scarcely 
left  the  house,  as  the  hours  of  intermission  were 
generally  occupied  in  praying  for  mourners. 
I  am  often  ready  to  cry  out,  O  that  I  could 
dwell  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house  for 


DIARY   Or  MISS   BUMlNCJ.  119 

ever.  I  see  that  an  eternity  of  growing  blis3 
is  just  before  me. 

Philadelphia,  May  1. — 0  that  I  could  suffi- 
ciently praise  God  for  the  distinguished  bless- 
ings which  have  marked  every  step  of  my  way 
since  I  left  home  ;  but  more  especially  in  re- 
turning, starting  as  I  did  alone.  The  orphan's 
God  graciously  raised  up  a  kind  protector. 
This  renewed  instance  of  his  watchful  love, 
greatly  increases  my  confidence  i*i  his  more 
than  paternal  care.  I  here  record  that  I  feel 
myself  a  deep,  deep  debtor  to  grace. 

May  14. — Dr.  Dunn  lectured  from  Christ's 
sermon  on  the  mount,  and  remarked  how  dif- 
ferent, how  very  different  was  the  blessed 
Saviour's  mode  of  instruction  from  that  of  most 
teachers  of  the  present  day  ;  who  divide  and 
subdivide  their  subjects  until  the  Gospel  is  bu- 
ried up  and  lost  in  subtle  metaphysics.  I  have 
heard  it  remarked  that  ministers  preach  just  as 
much  religion  as  they  themselves  possess. 
How  awful  is  the  responsibility  of  a  legate  of 
the  skies  !  Lord,  give  them  much  of  the  Spi- 
rit's anointing,  which  can  alone  qualify  them 
for  their  holy  calling.  O  God,  stir  Christians 
up  to  agonize  more  fervently  for  those  who  are 
entrusted  with  so  high  and  glorious  a  commis- 
sion. Alas  1  professors  too  often  spend  tho 
moments  that  should  be  thus  employed  in  cri- 
ticising, and  casting  out  ill-natured  reflections 
on  the  characters  and  inadvertencies  of  minis- 
ters. 1  lay  my  hand  upon  my  mouth,  and,  co- 
vered with  blushing,  cry  out  that  I  am  a  person 


120  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

of  such  unclean  lips ;  yet,  bless  the  Lord,  I 
am  always  checked  by  the  Holy  Ghost  when 
I  thus  dare  to  indulge.  I  despise  this  practice, 
and  hope  to  get  above  it.  When  this  gale 
had  spent  itself,  fancied  I  should  be  freed  from 
Satan's  wiles.  A  few  days'  experience  has 
convinced  me  of  the  fallacy  of  this  hope  :  the 
foul  fiend  is  watching  to  overtake  me  with 
worldly -mindedness.  I  have  in  a  good  degree 
resisted  the  tempter.  I  know  he  will  be  forced 
from  the  field  if  Jesus  undertakes  for  me. 
What  profit  can  I  gain  by  self-consuming  care, 
either  in  temporal  or  spiritual  concerns  I  I 
would  this  moment  the  veil  of  outward  things 
pass  through.  Heard  Mr.  Steward,  a  mis- 
sionary from  the  Sandwich  Islands.  Never 
so  fully  realized  the  degraded  condition  of 
heathen  nations.  It  appears  that  before  the 
Gospel  had  been  sent  among  them  they  had 
thrown  away  their  idols.  This  passage  of 
Scripture  was  literally  fulfilled, — "  The  isles 
shall  wait  for  his  law." 

May  25. — I  was  quite  raised  with  the  Scrip- 
ture views  of  our  .Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  is 
considered  in  relation  to  his  people  as  their 
foundation,  root,  food,  raiment,  bead,  hope,  re- 
fuge, righteousness,  light,  life,  peace,  portion, 
propitiation,  freedom,  fountain,  wisdom,  way, 
ensign,  example,  door, dew,  sun,  shield,  strength, 
song,  horn,  honour,  sanctification,  supply,  re- 
surrection, redemption,  lesson,  ladder,  truth, 
treasure,  temple,  ark,  all : — while  I  write,  my 
soul  glows  with-  holy  rapture  from  a  persuasion 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  121 

that  he  will, — that  he  does  manifest  himself  in 
all  those  characters  to  a  worm  like  me 

May  29. 

"  When  evening  spreads  her  solemn  shades  around  me, 
And  the  world  grows  dim  upon  my  eyes, 
And  many  stars  o'er  the  vault  of  heaven, 
Call  on  the  spirit  to  retire  awhile 
From  earth  and  its  low  vanities, 
And  seek  the  high  and  holy  intercourse  with  God." 

my  soul  obeys.  The  neglect  or  careless  per- 
formance of  this  duty  is  one  of  the  chief  causes 
that  bedwarfs  my  religion,  and  makes  it  low  of 
stature.  I  would,  at  this  still  hour,  ask  myself, 
for  what  end  was  I  made,  and  at  what  do  I  aim  1 
Lord,  I  know  nothing  of  my  state  if  I  do  not 
feel  as — 

"  A  pilgrim  panting  for  the  rest  to  come ; 
An  exile  anxious  for  her  native  home." 

Wretched  indeed  should  I  be  if  I  had  no  para- 
dise more  durable  than  this  poor  world.  Thank 
God  I  have  been  enabled  to  choose  the  unruina- 
ble  world  for  my  portion, — the  heaven  of  hea- 
vens, and  the  Lord  of  all  for  my  inheritance. 

June  4,  1827. — Although  disease  pervades 
my  feeble  frame,  Divine  grace  raises  me  above 
the  pressure,  and  God  is  enlarging  my  desires 
to  serve  him  fully. 

Robert  M'Nutt  lies  as  a  wreck  upon  the 
shores  of  time,  just  ready  to  launch  into  the 
world  of  spirits.  I  asked  him  if  he  felt  that 
beneath  and  around  him  were  laid  the  ever- 
lasting   arms?     His  countenance   brightened 


122  DIARY  OF  MISS  BU NTIInCL. 

while  I  spoke,  and  with  emphasis  he  replied,  "All 
glory  to  God,  /  do."  Spent  an  hour  profitably 
in  conversing  with  dear  E.  Abbott,  who  for 
three  years  has  enjoyed  the  witness  of  sanctifi- 
cation.  Truly,  my  soul  is  knit  to  those  who 
possess  this  blessing. 

June  6. — Life's  last  agony  is  o'er  with  poor 
Robert.  This  morning  at  two  o'clock  he  ex- 
changed  his  little  garret,  where  for  six  years 
he  has  been  a  sufferer,  for  the  bright  abodes  of 
eternal  day.  The  weight  of  anxiety  which  is 
removed  from  my  mind  by  this  poor  saint  be- 
ing housed  above  is  only  known  to  the  Searcher 
of  hearts. 

June  10. — Mr.  Ly brand  preached  from  *f  If 
I  go  not  away  the  Comforter  will  not  come." 
In  the  evening  he  preached  again,  from  "  To 
die  is  gain."  Truly,  I  have  this  day  "  tasted 
and  handled  the  word  of  life." 

June  12. — Concerned  to  know  the  propriety 
of  visiting  New-York.  My  plans  are  laid  be- 
fore the  Governor  of  all  things. 

*'  Saviour,  where'er  thy  will  I  see, 
Dauntless,  untired  I'll  follow  thee." 

New-York,  June  13. — Rode  twenty  miles  to- 
day ;  most  of  the  road  led  through  a  solitary 
part  of  the  pines.  The  day  was  bright,  and 
the  fresh  beauties  of  spring  surrounded  me. 
Could  I  but  feel  happy  when  I  marked  a  Fa- 
ther's hand  in  the  rich  livery  of  nature  !  My 
enjoyment  too  was  heightened  by  the  society 
and  converse  of  kindred  spirits. 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  123 

June  17. — Awoke  much  refreshed  by  "  balmy 
steep."  Went  to  Willett^street  church.  Mr. 
Seney  preached  from  "  A  conscience  void  of 
offence."  While  he  described  the  evidences 
of  a  clean  heart,  with  streaming  eyes  I  rejoiced 
in  an  assurance  that  that  blessed  portion  was 
mine,  and  that  I  had  nearly  all  my  days  been 
struggling  for  integrity  of  soul  and  sincerity  of 
heart.  I  surely  feel  that  my  record  is  on  high, 
and  my  witness  in  heaven. 

June  19. — Left  New-York  in  a  pleasant  con- 
veyance for  Belleville  camp  meeting.  Never 
witnessed  so  commanding  a  prospect  as  is  pre- 
sented to  the  eye  on  the  Hudson  river.  Ships 
and  vessels  of  different  sizes,  added  to  the 
Albany  and  other  steamboats,  formed  a  charm- 
ing variety.  We  had  a  passage  of  twelve  miles 
over  land  ere  we  reached  the  encampment. 
Part  of  our  way  lay  through  a  beautiful  coun- 
try. The  road  on  one  side  was  skirted  by  rocks 
and  hills  almost  perpendicular,  ornamented  by 
moss  and  wild  flowers ;  on  our  left  were  mea- 
dows of  such  rich  verdure  as  reminded  me  of 
those  "  fields  which  stand  dressed  in  living 
green."  In  that  blessed  region  is  a  cloudless 
sky,  a  never  setting  6un  ;  and  by  faith's  far 
reaching  eye  I  almost  saw  the  fount  of  life,  and 
heard  the  music  of  the  blessed  circling  the  throne 
of  the  Eternal. 

After  crossing  the  Hackensack  and  Passaic, 
wo  reached  Belleville,  a  neat  village,  the  houses 
white,  and  almost  hid  with  shrubbery.  Could 
I  gratify  my  natural  desires,  I  should  sigh  for 


124  diary  of  Miss  BU^fifto* 

such  a  retreat,  far  away  from  the  gaudy  show, 
and  noise  of  a  populous  city. 

Arrived  at  the  camp  ground  :  had  the  inde- 
scribable  pleasure  of  meeting  my  dear  cousins 
again.  Mr.  Rusling,  this  afternoon,  spoke  in 
his  usual  practical  manner,  from  St.  John  iii,  7. 
In  the  evening  Mr.  Banghart  preached.  I  have 
never  heard  the  sound  of  his  voice  since  the 
first  camp  meeting  which  I  attended.  God  has 
borne  with  me  since  that  period,  and  sustained 
my  utter  helplessness. 

Tuesday. — Cousin  Lydia  rambled  with  me 
some  distance  from  the  enclosure  of  the  tents. 
The  warbling  of  the  feathered  tribe  was  quite 
inspiring.  The  notes  of  the  wood  robin  were 
the  finest  I  ever  heard  ;  our  walk  was  most  in- 
teresting. Sweet  counsel  blessed  the  hour,  and 
we  returned  with  hearts  glowing  with  love  to 
Jesus  our  king,  and  ardent  desires  to  have  the 
work  of  grace  deepened  in  our  souls.  In  the 
afternoon  Mr.  Nathan  Bangs  preached  from 
Heb.  xx,  10.  Dwelling  on  Christ's  mental  suffer- 
ings, he  said,  "Some  stoical  persons  could  not 
comprehend  the  Saviour's  agony,  which  caused 
the  blood  to  gush  from  every  pore  ;  while  those 
of  more  acute  sensibilities  might  at  least  form 
a  faint  idea  of  his  internal  anguish."  Do  I  not, 
at  least  in  a  degree,  realize  my  Master's  amaz- 
ing wo  1  All  my  outward  trials  bear  no  pro- 
portion to  the  inward  conflicts  with  which  I 
am  conversant.  Can  it  be  that  he,  who  was 
Lord  and  heir  of  all  things,  to  shame  my  sins, 
blushed  in  blood  ?     Had  not  the  great  Inter- 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  125 

cessor  stood  in  the  gap  to  stay  the  stroke  of 
Divine  justice,  it  had  not  heen  with  me  as  it 
now  is. 

Thursday. — Heard  Mr.  Luckey,  from  Luke 
xxiv,  45  :  "  Go,  preach  my  Gospel  to  every 
creature,  beginning  at  Jerusalem."  This  dis- 
course gave  me  a  new  view  of  the  day  of  pen- 
tecost.  Jews  were  assembled  at  Jerusalem 
from  all  parts  of  the  country,  and  were  present 
when  Peter  stood  forth,  and  the  Holy  Spirit 
descended  ;  and  the  disciples  were  enabled  to 
address  each  stranger  in  his  native  tongue. 
They  then  returned  to  their  homes  and  told  the 
wonderful  works  of  God,  and  thus  prepared  the 
way  for  the  apostles  to  declare  the  Gospel  of 
Christ. 

Friday. — This  evening  the  sky  hath  cleared, 
the  wind  so  cold  and  high  it  seems  as  though 
the  tents  must  fail ;  and  the  ground  damp  ;  yet 
I  could  not  resist  the  desire  I  felt  to  hear  the 
sound  of  salvation  by  Mr.  A.  At  wood,  from, 
<JJoy  in  heaven  over  one  sinner,"  &c.  Mr. 
Rusling  exhorted,  and  related  his  experience. 
Every  word  was  powerful  ;  but  the  best  wine 
was  reserved  for  me  at  the  elose.  The  former 
part  of  the  meeting  my  enjoyment  was  marred 
by  the  extravagance  and  want  of  solemnity  in 
the  prayer  meetings. 

I  passed  the  last  night  in  tent  No.  10.  For 
several  hours  I  remained  in  a  corner,  and 
poured  out  my  tears  and  complaints  before  the 
Lord.  My  evidence  of  perfect  love  was  re- 
newed, and  mv  mind  relieved  of  the  load  that 


120  diary  or  miss  nrXTixc;. 

oppressed  me  for  the  Church  and  my  friends. 
I  took  a  seat  at  the  entrance  of  the  tent.  My 
soul  ran  out  in  ardent  desires  for  the  salvation 
of  every  soul  for  whom  Jesus  died.  Many 
stood  gazing  with  apparent  indifference.  I 
ventured  to  address  a  gay  young  lady.  She 
immediately  cried  aloud  for  mercy,  and  went 
forward  to  be  prayed  for  at  the  mourners'  bench. 
Another  told  me  she  was  convinced,  hut  must 
wait  the  Lord's  time.  O,  this  gulf  of  souls, 
how  many  it  has  destroyed !  A  poor  coloured 
woman  stood  weeping  at  the  outside  ;  the  way 
being  soon  cleared,  she  knelt  among  the  mourn- 
rrs,  and  was  directed  to  look  to  Him  who  can 
make  the  Ethiop  white.  I  felt  much  for  two 
female  friends,  whose  hearts  were  broken,  yet 
refused  to  submit  to  the  cross  of  kneeling 
among  the  penitents.  Cousin  Ashby  came  at 
two  o'clock,  and  obtained  their  consent  to  be 
saved  on  Gospel  terms.  He  urged  me  to  as- 
sist in  pointing  trembling  sinners  to  the  Lamb 
of  God.  I  shrunk  from  the  publicity  of  this 
pxercise  ;  but  as  others  excused  themselves,  I 
did  what  I  could.  The  severest  cross  was  yet  to 
be  lifted  :  I  was  soon  required  to  raise  my  feeble 
voice  in  prayer.  The  hundreds  who  surround, 
ed  me  did  not  daunt  me  or  prevent  my  trust  in 
God.  While  I  endeavoured  to  apply  the  pro, 
mises  to  a  sincere  female,  who  for  two  nitrhts 
and  days  had  been  wrestling  in  an  agony  for 
full  redemption,  the  answer  came.  Her  soul 
was  filled  with  pure  seraphic  joy.  She  rose  on 
her  fefct,  and,  with  feeling  and  clearness,  de* 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUXTING.  127 

clared  what  God  had  wrought.  To  my  sur- 
prise the  day  dawned.  So  sweetly  had  the 
moments  rolled,  I  had  not  even  wished  to  close 
my  eyes  in  sleep.  The  loud  blast  of  the  trum- 
pet summoned  us  to  the  last  meeting.  The 
voice  of  the  tempest  was  hushed — the  horizon 
was  gilded  by  the  rays  of  the  rising  sun.  This 
sight  never  fails  to  interest  me  ;  but  at  this  mo- 
ment it  appeared  more  than  ever  glorious. 
Every  leaf  waved  the  praise  of  Jesus.  How 
enrapturing  the  thought  that — 

A  day  without  night,  I  shall  spend  in  his  sight, 
And  eternity  seem  but  a  day." 

After  many  interesting  cases,  our  last  public 
means  was  a  lovefeast.  My  attention  was  at- 
tracted by  the  testimonies  of  two  men  ;  one 
was  formerly  an  actor  on  the  stage ;  now  it  is 
his  aim  to  dedicate  his  powers  to  the  service 
of  the  Lord  his  God.  The  other  had  been  a 
notorious  drunkard,  and  came  the  year  before 
to  this  grove  with  a  bottle  of  liquor  in  his  hat, 
intending  to  disturb  the  meeting  ;  but  the  Holy 
Spirit  arrested  him,  he  threw  away  his  bottle, 
forsook  evil  company  and  indolent  habits,  and 
became  a  new  man.  Why  should  any  one  dis- 
pute the  utility  of  camp  meetings  ? 

Saturday. — Returned  by  the  way  of  Newark. 
I  am  perfectly  astonished  that,  though  I  have 
been  for  several  days  more  exposed  than  I  ever 
was  in  my  life,  I  have  not  taken  the  least  cold. 
Surely  the  same  all-powerful  arm  that  defended 
Daniel,  has  shielded  me  from  harm. 


128  DIARY  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

Sunday. — Heard  Mr.  Seney  at  the  Allen- 
street  church.  Afternoon,  attended  preaching 
at  the  House  of  Refuge,  and  was  deeply  affect- 
ed to  witness  one  hundred  and  thirty  boys  walk 
in  single  file,  with  their  arms  behind  them,  into 
the  room  appropriated  for  worship. 

Friday. — Visited  several  public  schools,  and 
one  in  particular,  for  coloured  boys  ;  was  much 
pleased  with  their  exhibition  of  talent.  I  be- 
lieve their  understandings  are  nearly,  if  not 
quite  equal  to  the  whites. 

Hilton,  July  5. — Still  I  am  an  inhabitant  of 
this  ever  changing  world.  Twenty-six  years  I 
have  lived  on  the  rich  bounties  of  Heaven.  I 
would  chide  my  cold  heart  for  being  so  unmind- 
ful of  the  blessings  which  have  flowed  continu- 
ally from  the  Author  and  Fountain  of  my  being ; 
and, — 

"  Now,  though  flying  o'er  my  head, 

Are  youth's  departing  years  ; 
And  often  though  the  path  I  tread 

Is  watered  by  my  tears  ; 
Still  hope,  in  many  a  gloomy  hour, 

Through  many  a  weary  mile, 
Has  cheer'd  me  with  the  magic  power 

Of  her  beguiling  smile," 

July  10. — Surely  the  Lord  my  keeper  stood 
omnipotently  near  while  1  was  exposed  to  im- 
minent danger.  In  coming  down  a  steep  hill, 
the  horse  turned  off  the  road  into  a  deep  gully  ; 
we  all  succeeded  in  escaping  unhurt.  I  shall 
dwell  in  safety  if  Jesus  protects.  It  has  been 
said  that  "  the  children  of  God  are  immortal 
until   they  have  finished  the  work    assigned 


DIARY    OF  MISS   liU.MIXG.  1*>9 

them."  May  this  preservation  serve  me  as  an 
impetus  to  run  with  alacrity  all  the  length  of 
the  way  of  inward  and  outward  holiness. 

Pennington  Camp  Ground,  July  23. — In 
coming  here  I  have  felt  some  hesitancy.  For- 
bid,  O  my  God,  that  I  should  abuse  this 
means  of  grace.  Here  I  can  gaze  on  the  spot 
where  the  load  of  guilt  was  removed  from  my 
oppressed  bosom,  and  with  an  unwavering 
tongue  I  have  since  been  enabled  to  cry, 
"  Abba,  Father ;"  and  he  has  kept  my  feet 
from  slipping  at  a  season  of  my  life  when  most 
exposed  to  Satan's  devices.  I  have  had  many 
a  solitary  walk  in  this  extensive  wood,  and 
have  loved  to  ascend  yonder  high  mountain 
which  commands  so  extensive  a  view.  Under 
the  thick  foilage  of  these  trees  I  feel  the  world 
excluded,  every  passion  hushed,  and  enjoy  a 
calm  intercourse  with  Heaven.  Surely  safety 
and  tranquillity  dwell  remote  from  the  multitude* 
I  have  felt  my  soul  much  blessed  in  witnessing 
the  clear  conversion  of  sinners  here.  My  ex- 
pectations  and  desires  are  centred  in  God,  so 
that  I  can  say, — 

"  Nor  earth,  nor  all  its  empty  toys, 
Can  tempi  my  meanest  love." 

Jesus  is  the  sole  object  of  my  admiration. 

Philadelphia,  Aug.  7, — Again  find  myself 
pent  up  in  this  sickly  town.  The  heat  more 
oppressive  than  I  ever  knew  it. 

Aug.  12. — Left  the  city  to  breathe  again  the 
pure  air.  Spent  but  one  day  with  Mrs.  Buck- 
man  ere  1  was  shocked  with  the  tidings  of  my, 
9 


130  DIARY  OF   MISS  BUNTING. 

dear  sister  K.'s  rupturing  a  blood  vessel.  1 
was  soon  by  her  bedside.  She  has  just  writ- 
ten (for  she  is  not  permitted  to  speak)  "  that 
she  is  assured  of  this  affliction  being  needful." 
How  comfortable  to  see  her  thus  acquiesce. 

Aug.  15. — A  multitude  of  necessary  employ- 
ments do  not  separate  me  from  my  God.  This 
morning  I  snatched  a  few  moments  for  hea- 
venly converse — endeavoured  to  form  some 
idea  of  the  extent  of  the  Christian's  privilege  ; 
I  asked  great  things  of  God  in  prayer  ;  in  con- 
templation my  mind  stretched  farther,  and  took 
a  higher  flight  than  usual ;  then  darted  itself,  if 
I  may  so  speak,  toward  God  in  sighs,  groans, 
and  thoughts,  too  big  for  expression.  I  felt 
the  force  of  these  words,  "  God  is  able  to  do 
far  more  abundantly  than  we  can  ask  or  think." 
What  may  I  not  expect  ? 

Sept.  3. — With  humiliation  of  soul  for  the 
small  improvement  of  past  favours,  I  would 
cheerfully  submit  to  the  privation  of  remaining 
in  the  bustle  of  domestic  duties  while  scores 
of  my  dear  Christian  friends  are  worshipping  in 
the  grove  of  Blackwood.  Succeeded  in  re- 
moving every  obstacle  that  rose  to  prevent 
Ellen  from  attending,  thinking  it  may  be  blessed 
to  the  conversion  of  her  soul. 

I  cannot  pen  what  I  enjoyed  last  night. 
Such  a  spirit  of  intercession  I  am  seldom  fa- 
voured with. 

At  the  Lord's  Supper  was  so  covered  with 
the  atonement  that  my  powers  almost  sunk  under 
the  view. 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  131 

Sept.  8. — Class  this  afternoon  was  very  pro- 
fitable ; — cheered  by  the  reflection  that  very 
soon  the  storms  of  life  will  blow  over  and  an 
eternal  calm  ensue. 

O  Lord,  engage  my  affections  and  desires 
more  earnestly  in  the  pursuit  of  inward  holi- 
ness ;  grant  me  a  zeal  tempered  with  prudence 
as  well  as  kindled  by  love ;  disunite  my  heart 
from  every  undue  tie  to  the  earth,  and  satisfy 
my  soul  with  thy  favour. 

Wednesday. — This  morning  spent  profitably 
in  calling  on  several  sick  persons  ; — had  un- 
usual liberty  in  prayer  and  conversation.  Af- 
ternoon— too  much  company.  Holy  Father, 
when  thus  unavoidably  exposed,  enable  me  to 
keep  the  door  of  my  lips,  and  let  the  words  I 
utter  have  weight  in  them.  I  find  it  impossible 
to  enjoy  communion  with  God  without  redeem- 
ing time,  and  maintaining  a  watchful  frame  of 
mind. 

Thursday. — This  morning  I  have  been  em- 
ployed in  visiting  the  sick,  and  in  attending 
class  and  prayer  meeting.  M.  A.  Williams, 
M.  Apple,  M.  Milligan,  scholars  of  my  class, 
were  on  their  knees  some  hours,  crying  for 
mercy.  Fully  convince  them,  O  my  God,  that 
they  are  ruined  for  ever  without  the  help  of 
Christ. 

Sept.  17. — Mr.  White  preached  from  Rom. 
xii,  1,  "  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by  the  mer- 
cies of  God,"  &c.  He  set  forth  the  Christian 
duty  enjoined  in  the  text,  and  adduced  the  ar- 
guments why  we  should  perform  it.     An  awful 


132  DIARY   OF  MISS   BUSTING. 

shock  of  power  was  felt  by  the  assembly,  and 
the  word  was  indeed  delivered  with  holy  unc- 
tion. My  heart  flowed  as  melted  wax,  and  I 
lay  as  in  the  dust  under  a  sense  of  having  fallen 
far  short  of  my  great  duty  and  privilege. 

Sept.  18. — Monday.  I  rose  long  before  day, 
and  was  actively  employed  until  the  shades 
of  evening,  when  I  dropped  every  earthly  con- 
cern, and  went  to  the  lovefeast  at  St.  George's. 
A  better  one  I  have  seldom  known.  Such  in- 
terviews with  God  and  Christians  smooth  the 
rugged  path  of  life. 

Thursday. — Class  meeting  much  blessed  to 
me.  I  often  tremble  lest  my  attention  should 
be  unnecessarily  occupied  with  the  things  which 
perish  with  the  using  : — have  much  to  remind 
me  that  here  I  have  no  continuing  city. 

Dec.  2. — Passed  this  afternoon  in  company 
with  Mary  White,  at  the  alms  house  ;  and  ex. 
perienced,  while  conversing  with  the  sick,  a 
great  increase  of  love  to  God,  and  the  souls 
for  whom  the  Son  of  God  died. 

Dec.  25.  Christmas  day. — This  morning 
was  at  five  o'clock  meeting  ; — dull  and  lifeless 
until  the  close,  when  I  felt  the  soft  touches  of 
the  Spirit.  Spent  the  afternoon  in  visitingthe 
destitute  sick  ; — was  much  affected  by  reading 
that  he  who  was  Lord  of  all  things,  stooped  so 
low  as  to  die  for  man.  I  can  attest  that  my 
wishes,  hopes,  pleasures,  love, — my  thoughts 
and  noblest  passions  are  above. 

Jan.  1,  1829. — Time,  with  pinions  swifter 
than  thr-  wind,  is  passing  and  hurrying  its  w\U 


DIARY  OP  MISS  BUNTING.  133 

lions  into  eternity.  I  cannot  recount  the 
blessings  of  my  Lord  the  year  past,  for  they 
are  numberless.  When  I  survey  the  dark 
scenes  he  has  brought  me  through,  in  days 
gone  by,  gratitude  should  be  written  in  inde- 
lible characters  on  rny  heart.  I  can  say  with- 
out dissimulation,  that  I  am  still  bending  my 
course  upward  in  the  pathway  of  self-denial ; 
but  pained  to  view  my  innumerable  short  com- 
ings. O  that  the  remembrance  of  them  might 
reinforce  and  strengthen  my  resolutions,  and 
may  I  learn  to  resist  the  temptations  by  which 
I  have  been  formerly  foiled  ;  and  thus  make 
the  deficiencies  of  one  day  marks  to  direct  my 
course  on  another. 

Jan.  20. — Again  blessed  in  hearing  Dr.  Dunn, 
from  "  All  things  have  become  new."  I  do  in- 
deed realize  a  new  creation  within.  My  cove- 
nant God  has  given  me  to  feel  the  work  of 
grace  deepened  in  my  soul,  by  a  luminous 
testimony  that  no  sin  has  dominion  over  me. 
Satan  would  suggest  that  my  highest  attain- 
ments are  the  effects  of  self-love,  acting  under 
several  guises  ;  but  I  see  enough  of  my  own 
weakness  and  unworthiness  to  banish  all  self- 
complacency.  These  views  only  serve  to 
drive  me  to  seek  fresh  supplies  from  the  "  Lord 
my  righteousness."  I  know  in  whom  I  trust ; — 
it  is  not  on  the  arm  of  flesh  I  lean.  He  who  hath 
preserved  me  from  the  world's  entanglements 
for  ten  years  is  surely  able,  and  will  uphold 
and  protect  me  the  few  days  that  may  yet  be 
allotted  me  below. 


134  DIARY   OP  MISS  BUNTING. 

Feb.  12. — My  friend,  Mary  White,  was  seized 
suddenly  ill  on  Sabbath.  I  watched  by  her  pil. 
low  the  past  night,  Never  witnessed  such  ex- 
cruciating suffering ;— only  rational  at  intervals, 
I  am  of  opinion  she  cannot  survive  many  hours. 

This  evening,  at  our  lovefeast,  an  awful 
solemnity  pervaded  my  mind,  which  had  re- 
ceived a  tone  from  the  scene  I  had  been  con- 
versant with  in  my  dying  friend's  chamber.  1 
viewed  all  below  as  vanity,  except  the  means 
of  securing  a  lot  among  the  glorified.  This 
enabled  me  to  speak  for  God  without  confer- 
ring  with  quivering  flesh. 

Wednesday,  13. — This  day  has  been  marked 
with  several  events.  Visited  some  who  are 
without  the  comforts  of  this  life,  but  rich  in 
faith,  and  heirs  of  a  kingdom.  My  much  loved 
friend,  M.  White,  was  released  at  three  o'clock 
this  afternoon  to  mingle  with  the  pure  spirits 
before  the  throne  of  God.  The  nature  of  her 
disease,  an  inflammation  of  the  brain,  was  such 
as  prevented  her  leaving  a  triumphant  testi- 
mony. Few  knew  her  better  than  myself. 
She  laid  open  her  whole  heart  to  me.  I  have 
marked  her  Christian  walk  for  five  years,  and 
ever  found  her  on  the  way.  Truly,  she  walked 
in  the  path  of  uprightness.  Her  journal  gives 
ample  proof  of  the  depth  of  her  piety.  For 
some  months  past  she  has  lived  more  secluded, 
and  has  evidently  been  more  devout.  The 
evening  before  her  last  illness  she  read  the 
parable  of  the  ten  virgins,  and  sung  the  first 
and  third  verses  of  "  The   Lord   my  pasture 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  135 

shall,"  &c,  and  was  much  affected.  She  then 
spent  some  time  in  secret  prayer,  and  afterward 
remarked  to  a  friend,  that  her  "  prayers  had  all 
been  turned  to  praise."  This  is  now  to  be 
her  constant  employ.  "  A  perpetuity  of  bliss, 
is  bliss"  indeed. 

I  have  lost  an  invaluable  friend  ;  one  who 
favoured  me  with  counsel  and  reproof.  There 
are  many  who  are  ready  to  commend,  but  few 
I  find  who  are  willing  to  point  out  my  errors. 
The  price  of  such  a  friend  is  far  above  rubies. 

Friday. — Committed  the  remains  of  M. 
White  to  her  original  dust.  I  saw  them  cover 
her  with  the  "  clods  of  the  valley."  I  turned 
away,  and  shuddered  to  reflect  that  the  worms 
would  crowd  into  her  silent  abode.  But  why 
indulge  in  sorrow  and  tears  ?  Let  the  body  lie 
in  the  earth  ;  it  belongs  there.  The  weary 
soul  has  cast  its  tenement  aside,  and  ascended 
without  it.  Very  soon  I  shall  shed  my  last 
tear,  heave  my  last  sigh,  and  go  to  join  the 
blood-besprinkled  band  on  high. 

Feb.  17. — Mr.  Lybrand  preached  from 
"  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us  ;  the  God  of 
Jacob  is  our  refuge." 

I  know  that  the  Lord  hath  given  me  in 
charge  to  his  angels  ;  they  encamp  about  me 
continually; — let  thine  own  everlasting  arms 
environ  me. 

Philadelphia,  Feb.  30. — I  am  called  to 
leave  this  city,  endeared  to  me  by  so  many 
ties.  My  best  affections  linger  round  the 
church  and  Sabbath  school*     A  ten  vears'  at- 


13 J  DIAHY    OF   MISS   HUNTING . 

tachment  to  those  dear  scholars  is  not  easily 
severed. 

March  20. — 4i  Truly  God  is  good  to  Is- 
rael,"— even  unto  me.  Came  into  the  city  to 
attend  meeting,  and  knew  not  that  my  spirit 
was  to  be  cheered  by  seeing  my  dear  and  only 
brother  admitted  into  the  Church.  Language 
is  too  feeble  to  express  the  feelings  of  my 
heart  on  this  occasion.     O  that  he  may  be  as 

"  An  iron  pillar  strong;, 
And  steadfast  as  a  wall  of  brass  !" 

Frank  ford,  March  10.= — My  heart  is  sore 
within  me  while  I  behold  the  total  indifference 
manifested  by  most  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  vil- 
lage, with  regard  to  the  salvation  of  their  death- 
less souls.  Are  not  those  who  bear  the  name  of 
Christ  too  much  at  ease  in  Zion  1  Can  we  witness 
with  apathy  sinners  pressing  their  way  in  un- 
broken ranks  down  to  the  fiery  gulf  of  dark  dam- 
nation, and  not  put  forth  efforts  to  rescue  them  ? 

I  fear  our  coldness,  softness,  and  worldly 
mindedness,  hinders  the  work  of  Cod  from 
moving  forward.  I  am  following  my  Master 
with  too  lingering  a  step.  May  he  free  me 
more  effectually  from  the  concerns  of  this 
world.  Nothing  less  than  a  daily  growth  in 
personal  holiness  can  satisfy  my  thirsty  spirit. 
Come,  Lord,  and  strengthen  my  feeble  soul : — 
then  I  can  boldy  teach  transgressors  thy  way, 
and  sinners  even  in  this  place  shall  be  con- 
verted unto  thee. 

In  private  1  had  an  earnest  of  the  joys  of 


DIARY   OF   MISS  BUXTIXG.  ]37 

heaven.  0  were  I  possessed  of  the  tongue  of 
a  seraph,  I  could  not  tell  the  ecstasy  I  felt  on 
reflecting  that  even  my  trembling  spirit  shall, 
if  faithful  a  little  longer,  unite  with  the  just 
made  perfect  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty 
on  high. 

Sunday. — "  To  God  eternal  glory  be,"  for 
what  he  has  effected  by  subduing  my  will,  and 
bringing  my  passions  under  control,  and  en- 
abling me  to  rest  this  day  at  the  sacrament  on 
the  Crucified,  fully  believing  that  his  merits 
can  meet  my  every  want ;  and  that  he  has 
made  my  soul  a  partaker  of  that  grace  which 
will  eventually  ripen  me  for  the  kingdom  of  my 
heavenly  Father.  This  day  my  body  and  soul 
seem  to  have  been  penetrated  through  with 
rays  from  the  glorious  Source  of  light. 

Monday,  April  7. — Had  an  interview  with 
Mr.  Case,  John  Sunday,  and  Peter  Jacobs. 
John  was  once  very  intemperate  ; — learned  the 
alphabet  in  two  hours, — to  read  in  two  weeks. 
Mr.  Case  told  us  that  the  converted  Indians 
attend  to  family  worship  three  times  a  day. 
When  the  men  are  absent,  the  females  attend 
to  that  duty,  and  when  they  are  away,  the  chil- 
dren perform  it  with  much  solemnity.  Surely 
this  ought  to  put  us,  Christians,  to  the  blush. 
There  is  a  great  anxiety  among  them  to  learn. 
A  little  girl,  not  being  able  to  procure  knitting 
needles,  took  an  old  tin  pan,  and  formed  the 
wire  into  needles,  and  with  them  completed 
two  pair  of  stockings.  Mr.  Case  exhibited  a 
number  of  pieces  of  workmanship,  which  dis* 


138  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

played  great  native  genius.  Several  of  the 
women  sent  their  ornaments  to  be  exchanged 
for  implements  of  husbandry. 

John  Sunday  spoke  in  his  native  tongue. 
His  gestures,  expression  of  countenance,  energy 
of  manner,  and  appeals  to  Heaven,  all  exhibited 
the  warmth  of  his  heart  and  the  reality  of  his 
religion.  What  he  said  was  interpreted,  but  it 
must  have  lost  much  of  its  edge.  Peter  Jacobs 
succeeded  him  in  broken  English  ; — said  that 
"  two  years  ago  he  was  wild  man  in  the  woods  ; 
— parents  and  friends  all  dead  ; — he  was  left 
an  orphan  at  four  years  of  age,  and  often  ready 
to  perish  with  hunger  and  cold.  When  the 
missionary  came,  and  wished  him  to  live  with 
him,  Peter  asked,  '  if  he  could  catch  one  little 
partridge,  and  tame  him  to  run  with  his  chick- 
ens.' He  was  answered  in  the  negative. 
1  Then,'  he  replied,  «  you  cannot  civilize  me  ; 
I  am  wild  as  a  deer.'  But  when  he  came 
to  hear  from  the  good  book  of  Jesus,  he  tamed 
mv  heart :  now  me  happy,  verv  happy  every 
day." 

It  being  remarked  that  J.  Sunday  had  not 
understood  what  had  been  said,  from  his  igno- 
rance of  our  language,  Mr.  Merwin  addressed 
him  through  his  brother  interpreter,  and  in  the 
name  of  the  congregation  gave  him  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship.  The  flowing  tears  and 
broken  sobs  of  this  poor  son  of  the  forest,  added 
to  his  loud  exclamations  of  joy,  rendered  it  one 
of  the  most  melting  scenes  I  ever  witnessed. 

July  5.- — Twenty-seven  years  I  have  breathed 


I>!AR¥   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  139 

the  vita!  air.  The  scenes  of  my  youth  are  all 
fading  like  night  visions. 

Blackwood,  August. — I  never  commenced  a 
meeting  so  free  from  dissipation.  All  my  soul 
was  recollected.  I  seem  to  have  but  one  end 
in  view.  The  first  few  days  my  eyes  have 
been  as  a  fountain  of  contrite  tears.  At  prayer 
meeting  in  Mr.  Sterling's  tent  had  a  season  of 
great  rejoicing  with  many.  Samuel  Thock- 
morton  fell  under  the  power  of  God.  I  felt  no 
uncommon  joy,  but  a  solemn  sense  of  the  Divine 
presence  and  an  unusual  power  to  plead  with 
God  for  a  fulness  of  every  grace  of  the  Spirit. 

At  evening  prayer  meeting,  four  of  my  young 
friends,  teachers  in  our  Sabbath  schools,  who 
have  often  pained  me  by  their  indifference, 
humbled  themselves  at  Jesus'  feet,  and  two  of 
them  were  brought  to  exult  in  the  Saviour's 
pardoning  love.  I  had  ravishing  contempla- 
tions on  his  character.  O  what  an  immensity  of 
love  did  I  behold  in  him  !  My  every  want  shall 
be  supplied  from  his  fulness,  who  filleth  all. 

Sabbath  noon. — While  Mr.  Pitman  exhorted 
the  careless  throng  who  stood  gazing  around 
the  tent,  I  experienced  a  most  intense  concern 
for  their  salvation  ;  and  such  a  sense  of  the 
severe  purity  of  the  Deity  pervaded  my  sou]* 
as  absolutely  astonished  me. 

Philadelphia. — -At  prayer  meeting  this  even, 
ing>  was  astonished,  after  the  loss  of  so  much 
rest,  that  my  body  and  mind  were  so  vigorous. 
I  sat  under  the  shadow  of  my  Kock,  and  felt 
that  he  sustained  me, 


140  1)1  AltY   OF  3IISS  BUNTING. 

Frankford,  Aug.  8. — At  my  home,— dear 
home. — I  have  been  favoured  with  hours  of  se- 
clusion, and  am  glad  to  rind  that  I  am  invi- 
gorated by  the  invaluable  means  I  have  recently 
enjoyed.  I  have  open  intercourse  with  Hea- 
ven ; — -great  liberty  in  pleading  the  promises 
for  myself,  friends,  and  the  Church  of  Christ  ; 
especially  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  in  this  village. 

Sunday,  11. — Rose  ere  yet  the  sun  had 
tipt  the  hills  with  his  orient  beams,  and  while 
the  family  were  locked  in  repose.  When  1 
poured  out  my  complaints  in  prayer,  Jesus 
drew  very  near,  and  enabled  me  to  ask  for  all 
I  wanted.  Morning  after  morning  returns  with 
all  its  sweet  and  peaceful  loveliness,  and  in- 
vites my  spirit  to  commune  with  God.  My 
feelings  are  in  unison  with  the  glories  of  crea- 
tion. 

'  Lord,  how  secure  ami  blest  are  they 
Who  feel  the  joys  of  pardon'd  sin." 

What  an  inestimable  blessing  is  a  conscious- 
ness that  I  am  a  child  of  God.  I  would  not 
exchange  this  for  all  the  wisdom,  honour, 
riches  in  the  world.  It  is  better  than  life 
itself.  How  much  I  prize  our  little  class 
meetings.  Never  were  they  more  blessed  to  me. 
Jesus  can  make  every  means  please  and  profit. 

¥  I  dwell  for  ever  on  his  heart 
For  ever  he  on  mine." 

August. — Was  directed,  I  trust  by  the  Holy 
One,  this  morning  to  apply  (though  a  stranger) 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  141 

to  Mr.  Rains,  for  a  supply  of  preachers  from 
the  local  association,  for  Frankford.  On  stating 
the  case  to  Mr.  R.,  he  manifested  a  lively  in- 
terest for  the  few  straggling  sheep  who  would 
claim  his  care,  and  exhorted  me  to  be  active  ; 
which  greatly  encouraged  my  fainting  spirits. 

Crosswicks,  Sejrt.  4. — Our  meeting  in  the 
grove  has  been  interrupted  by  three  days  inces- 
sant rain  ;  yet  God  has  been  powerfully  at 
work  in  the  souls  of  many. 

Philadelphia,  Sept. — A  sermon  this  morn- 
ing  by  Mr.  Scott,  from  "  Blessed  are  the  poor 
in  spirit,"  made  me  more  than  ever  desire  the 
lovely  grace  of  humility.  Might  I  be  permitted 
to  choose  my  own  lot,  I  should  think  it  much 
more  eligible  to  want  spiritual  comforts,  than 
to  abound  in  them  at  the  expense  of  humi- 
lity. May  I  ever  be  so  favoured  of  Heaven, 
as  never  to  forget  that  I  am  by  nature  the 
chief  of  sinners. 

November. — This  evening  in  secret  the  Holy 
Spirit  rested  on  me  so  gloriously  that  my  bo- 
dily powers  were  prostrated.  Motionless,  and 
almost  breathless,  I  waited  to  know  what  God 
the  Lord  woukl  do  with  his  poor  creature. 
Every  affection  of  my  soul  was  captivated  with 
discoveries  of  the  excellencies  and  beauties  of 
the  incarnate  Jesus.  Glory  and  honour  to  his 
name  for  a  present  salvation  from  all  sin.  He 
who  dwelleth  between  the  cherubim  has  shone 
forth,,  and  given  a  worm  a  clearer  demonstration 
of  his  Divine  favour-  I  would  from  this  hour 
give  myw-tf  solely  to  God,  beseeching  him  to» 


142  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

do  with  me  as  will  be  most  to  his  glory  and  my 
eternal  good. 

Frankford.  Sabbath. — Mr.  Cline  preached 
with  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit ; — pre- 
vailed on  A.  E.  to  remain  in  class  : — the  deep 
of  her  heart  is  broken  ; — the  cries  of  a  worm 
have  reached  the  ears  of  the  Lord  of  Sabaoth, 
— and  I  am  to  have  a  friend  for  a  helper.  I 
had  her  with  me  from  house  to  house,  searching 
children  to  form  a  Sabbath  school.  We  invited 
the  parents  to  attend  meeting,  which  has  in- 
creased the  congregation.  Lord,  help  me  to 
stand  in  my  lot,  and  be  faithful,  and  have  my 
face  turned  fully  toward  Zion. 

Philadelphia,  Dec.  25. — At  five  o'clock  this 
morning  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  he  has  ever  been, 
was  present  to  invigorate  my  helplessness. 
The  God-man  appeared, — 

"  As  when  of  old  confessed," 
The  exalted  Son  of  God. 
May  he  "  wrap  me  in  his  crimson  vest, 
And  tell  me  all  his  name" 

Jan.  1,  1829. — Old  time  in  its  rapid  flight 
has  borne  away  another  year.  At  watch-night, 
while  the  fragment  of  but  one  minute  of  the 
past  year  remained,  fell  on  my  knees,  and  in 
silence  adored  my  merciful  God,  who  had 
spared  me  to  hail  1829.  "With  vows  and 
anthems  new,"  surrendered  myself  to  the 
Lord  and  rejoiced  in  the  glorious  hope  of 
gaining  that  heavenly  world,  where 

"  Rolling  years  shall  ceas->  to  move." 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  143 

I  am  incapable  of  recounting  the  favours  of 
the  year  gone  by, — far  the  most  interesting  of 
my  life,  though  debarred  of  many  of  the  public 
means  of  grace. 

"  I  have  loved  to  steal  away 
From  every  cumbering  care, 
And  spent  the  hours  of  setting  day 
In  humble,  grateful  prayer." 

Feb. — Quite  unwell  :  while  preparing  to  at- 
tend  the  Sabbath  school  spit  some  blood,  and 
was  obliged  to  keep  quiet  at  home.  Preach- 
ing  as  usual  in  our  parlour  ;  an  overwhelming 
influence  pervaded  the  meeting  :  several  were 
awakened,  with  whom  I  ventured  to  converse. 
Mr.  Jones  called  on  me  to  pray.  It  was  sug- 
gested to  my  mind  that  the  exertion  would  be 
more  than  my  lungs  could  bear.  I  committed 
my  cause  into  the  hands  of  Him  who  hath  the 
issues  of  life, — who  was  my  strength  in  the 
performance  of  duty.  The  cloud  which  had 
obscured  my  faith,  now  "  burst  in  blessings  on 
my  head." 

February  29. — The  Lord  owned  the  word 
preached  by  Mr.  Jones  to-night  :  eight  persons 
came  forward  to  be  prayed  for.  After  the 
many  discouragements  I  have  waded  through 
in  this  place,  the  Searcher  of  hearts  only  knows 
my  joy  at  this  intimation  of  his  favour. 

Fraiikford,  March  21. — Have  had  many 
evidences  of  the  strength  of  prayer,  and  realize 
more  fully  the  extent  of  that  promise,  "  All 
things  whatsoever  ye  ask  in  prayer,  believing, 


144  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

ye  shall  receive."  Our  Sabbath  school  pros- 
pers  beyond  my  most  sanguine  expectations ; 
fifty  scholars  attend.  Ann  Walton,  an  orphan 
of  fifteen,  on  entering,  could  only  spell  in  three 
letters,  but  can  now  read  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment : — has  experienced  a  change  of  heart, 
and  joined  the  society.  Not  one  of  the  female 
teachers  was  pious  at  the  commencement  of 
the  school ;  and  I  was  ready  to  faint  at  the 
idea  of  placing  those  to  teach  who  had  never 
been  enlightened  themselves.  But  what  hath 
God  wrought !  Six  of  the  female  teachers,  and 
two  males,  give  evidence  of  a  genuine  conver- 
sion, and  have  united  in  Church  fellowship  with 
us.  There  are  now  upward  of  twenty-eight 
persons  in  the  class,  and  many  more  under 
awakenings. 

Philadelphia,  March  29. — Continual  expe- 
rience of  my  own  weakness  makes  me  pitiful 
to  my  wayward,  erring,  sinning  fellow1crea- 
tures.  I 

April  1. — How  desirable  has  heaven  ap- 
peared to  me  to-day.  Grant  me  courage,  Lord, 
to  act  aright,  however  appearances  may  b^flfo 
my  disadvantage.  Thy  favour  is  infinitely  more 
to  me  than  the  opinion  of  men,  or  even  life 
itself;  yet  I  long  and  pray  to  appear  in  the 
eyes  of  others  without  guile,  that  the  Gospel  be 
not  reproached. 

April20. — Afternoon  Mr.  Cookman  preached 
on  "a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother." 
Yes,  my  Saviour,  thou  hast  ever  proved  an  inva- 
riable friend  to  me.     Thou  hast  been  with  jue 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  145 

in  thy  ordinances,  in  the  sanctuary,  in  secret 
places,  and  in  all  my  duties  and  trials  ;  and  my 
meditations  of  thee  have  been  exceedingly  sweet. 

Evening. — Mr.  Thompson  from  1  John  iii, 
2  :  "  Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God  ; 
and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be," 
&c.  The  lustre  of  this  world  has  been  quite 
eclipsed  by  the  discoveries  I  have  this  day  had 
of  eternal  realities.  My  soul  pants,  and  is 
eager  to  be  gone,  that  I  may  see  my  Father  as 
he  is,  and  behold  the  glories  which  surround 
his  throne. 

May  10. — Mr.  Higgins  preached  from, 
"Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for 
such  things,  be  diligent,  that  ye  may  be  found 
of  him  in  peace,  without  spot,  and  blameless." 
Interested  and  profited.  Lord,  what  manner 
of  person  ought  I  to  be,  whose  days  are  dwin- 
dling to  a  span  1  Soon  these  teet  will  tread  the 
depths  of  Jordan,  and  my  eyes  be  closed  in 
death.  Jesus,  lead  on  my  steps  in  all  the  way 
I  have  to  go. 

Evening. — Sorrow  possessed  my  soul,  that 
I  had  not  kept  the  righteous  precepts  more 
faithfully.  My  life  is  marked  with  imperfec- 
tions ;  but  they  do  not  separate  between  God 
and  my  soul ;  for  never  will  any  works  of 
righteousness  that  I  have  done,  or  can  do, 
recommend  me  to  his  favour.  I  dwell  in  a 
poor  shattered  house  of  clay,  that  presses  down 
the  immortal  part  ;  and  if  ever  so  blessed  as  to 
gain  that  endless  bliss,  it  will  be  grace  that 
brought  me  there. 

10 


146  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

"  I  languish  and  sigh  to  be  there, 

Where  Jesus  hath  fix'd  his  abode." 

Monday  11. — Worldly  difficulties  assailed 
me  to-day,  but  do  not  daunt  me  in  the  way  to 
the  kingdom.  Ill  indeed  would  doubts  and 
anxiety  become  me.  Qn  reviewing  the  past  I 
am  forced  to  say,  "  Thus  far  the  Lord  hath  led 
me  ;"  and  looking  forward,  though  rough  and 
uncertain  my  path  may  be,  I  would  rely  on  my 
bleeding,  dying  Surety,  and  lift  a  tranquil  eye 
to  Him  who  sits  on  the  throne  of  the  heavens, 
holding  the  reins  of  universal  dominion,  and 
trust  never  to  pervert  his  designs.  Death  ap- 
pears desirable  to  me,  as  an  entrance  to  a 
place  where  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

Friday,  22. — I  have  for  some  time  past  ob- 
served this  as  a  day  of  abstinence  and  humilia- 
tion, while  my  soul,  contemplative,  rose,  cheered 
by  refreshing  views  of  eternity. 

"  Though  in  a  foreign  land, 
I  am  not  far  from  home  ; 
And  nearer  to  my  house  aboye 
I  every  moment  come." 

Sunday  24.— Indulged  with  a  comfortable 
opportunity  for  explaining  the  eleventh  chapter 
of  John's  Gospel  to  my  scholars.  The  interest 
I  felt  for  their  salvation  was  unusually  weighty. 
Ere  I  entered  upon  the  duties  of  this  day  I  sup- 
plicated for  the  fulfilment  of  this  promise, — 
"  That  every  thought  shall  be  brought  into  cap- 
tivity," &c.  Not  often  have  I  had  my  mind 
so  stayed  on  God. 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  147 

June. — How  dull  the  day  seems  when  spent 
without  having  my  usual  opportunities  for  re- 
tirement, and  pouring  out  my  prayer  before  the 
sprinkled  throne.  This  privation  makes  visit- 
ing irksome. 

Thursday. — Opened  the  sacred  volume  on 
these  precious  words,  "  The  Lord  is  a  strong 
hold  in  the  day  of  trouble.  He  knoweth  those 
who  trust  in  him."  The  impression  they  left 
on  my  heart  was  very  sweet. — Comfortable 
assistance  from  God  in  secret  devotion. — Pain 
and  disease  are  to  me  sure  indications  that 
death  is  not  distant.  Baxter  says,  "  When  is 
it  more  seasonable  to  walk  to  heaven  than  when 
we  know  not  on  what  corner  of  the  earth  to 
live  with  comfort."  At  class  my  soul  was  fired 
with  fresh  hopes  of  finally  gaining  my  glorious 
home.  Lord,  cover  me  with  thy  feathers  from 
the  storm  and  from  the  shafts  of  the  enemy. 

July  5. — Twenty-eight  years  I  have  been  suf- 
fered to  tabernacle  among  men,  unworthy  as  I 
am.  I  have  finished  reperusing  Mr.  Wesley's 
account  of  Christian  perfection,  which  often 
brought  me  to  my  knees,  and  wet  my  face  with 
penitent  tears.  O  when  shall  I  bear  more 
deeply  the  impress  of  my  Master's  image  1  En- 
tered the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house  this  morn- 
ing under  a  deep  conviction  that  I  was  too  cold 
in  my  approaches  to  Him.  Mr.  Higgins  could 
not  have  selected  a  subject  more  in  unison  with 
my  feelings, — "  Ask,  and  receive  ;  seek,  and 
find."  I  did  ask,  and  was  blessed  with  raptur- 
ous contemplations  of  God. 


148  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING* 

July  29. — The  time  spent  at  Blackwood 
meeting  was  a  season  of  holy  mourning  ;  yet, 
on  some  occasions  my  complaints  were  sweetly 
lost  in  praise.  Though  a  pilgrim  in  this  world, 
I  can  at  times  look  into  the  promised  land, — 

"While  faith,  with  her  glass  of  softest  light 
Displays  it  to  my  wondering  sight." 

Felt  a  great  solicitude  for  souls — much  in- 
terested to  witness  a  pious  mother  rejoicing  over 
three  daughters,  who  had  been  brought  into  the 
liberty  of  the  chi-ldren  of  God.  Their  father 
was  a  holy  man,  and  in  the  dying  hour  had 
warned  them  to  prepare  to  meet  him  above. 
This  is  an  instance  of  the  seed  springing  up 
after  the  hand  that  planted,  and  the  eye  that 
watered  it,  are  at  rest  in  the  grave. 

Saturday,  August  1. — Have  full  proof  that 
the  seeds  of  death  are  thickly  scattered  within 
my  system.  Have  been  asking  for  some  days 
for  that  faith  which  defies  pain  and  death,  and 
is  most  vigorous  when  the  body  dies.  In  prayer 
meeting  this  evening  I  was  lifted  far  above  my 
infirmities,  and  enriched  with  the  grace  of  the 
Spirit* 

"  O  God,  of  good  the  unfathom'd  sea, 
Who  would  not  give  his  heart  to  thee  ? 
Who  would  not  love  thee  with  his  might  ?"  &c. 

Crosswicks,  Sept. — The  time  I  have  spent  in 
this  quiet  retreat  has  been  reviving  to  my  spirit. 
The  world  cannot  ensnare  me  by  any  of  its 
grosser   allurements;    but   the  temptations  it 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNtlNG.  149 

holds  out  to  me,  under  the  form  of  pure,  refined, 
elevated  enjoyment  resulting  from  earthly  con- 
nections, is  ensnaring.  I  will  strive  to  feel  that 
the  place  which  God  assigns  me  is  the  best. 

0  that  in  humility  of  mind  I  may  ever  prefer 
that  condition  which  leads  to  the  most  intimate 
knowledge  of  myself,  and  the  closest  union 
with  my  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Sept. — How  salutary  has  a  discourse  from 
Mr.  White  proved,  from  "  This  one  thing  have 

1  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  for  ever."  How  trying  to 
return  to  earth  and  its  cares  after  possessing 
high  and  holy  intercourse  with  God. 

Frankford. — Lovefeast  to-day  was  more 
blessed  to  me  than  any  means  of  the  kind  I  ever 
enjoyed.  Blessed  be  God,  fifty  persons  are 
united  in  Church  fellowship  here.  M.  A.  E., 
to  my  surprise,  has  become  a  Methodist.  Her 
conversion  is  a  manifest  answer  to  prayer. 
The  seed  sown  will  yet  I  believe  produce  abun- 
dant fruit. 

Thursday. — Forced  my  way  through  a  crowd 
of  hinderances,  and  got  to  the  class  soon  after 
it  commenced.  Blessed  with  an  overpowering 
sense  of  the  Saviour's  love.  My  constant  de- 
sign is  with  steadfast  eye  to  mark  every  step 
my  Saviour  took  through  life. 

Sunday. — Mr.  Higgins  preached  from — ■ 
"  What  shall  it  profit  a  man  to  gain  the  whole 
world  1"  &c.  Sinners  were  warned  of  their 
danger  in  an  unusually  solemn  manner  ;  and 
shall  any  of  them  endure  the  gnawings  of  the 


150  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUtfTlNG< 

undying  worm  ?  My  soul  shudders  at  the 
thought.  "  What  !  to  be  banished  from  thee, 
Lord,  and  yet  forbid  to  die  !"  The  solicitude 
I  feel  for  consistency  of  life  in  professors,  and 
the  conversion  of  souls,  is  paramount  to  every 
other  wish  of  my  heart,  and  next  to  my  own  sal- 
vation ;  yet  fear  I  indulge  in  an  unnecessary 
anxiety  to  be  actively  employed  in  the  cause  of 
Christ,  when  he  needs  not  my  exertions. — 
Charged  by  a  minister  with  being  "  too  serious." 
The  concern  I  feel  for  the  unconverted,  and 
beholding  Jesus  so  often  wounded  by  his  pro- 
fessed friends,  added  to  the  secret  contests  with 
my  own  bosom  foes,  affects  my  countenance, 
my  heart,  and  my  eyes.  O  Father,  thou  art 
leading  me  by  a  way  I  knew  not ;  possess  me 
of  that  sober,  chastened,  dependent  frame  of 
mind  which  will  prepare  me  for  every  event. 

Friday — Was  set  apart  by  our  beloved  pas- 
tor as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  for  a  revival 
of  vital  godliness.  While  I  besought  the  King 
of  heaven  to  guide  my  footsteps  through  the 
mazes  of  this  mortal  life,  this  promise  was  so 
forcibly  presented  that  I  laid  hold  of  it  as  my 
own, — "  Behold,  I  will  pour  out  my  Spirit  unto 
you,  and  will  make  known  my  words  unto  you  ;" 
and  while  wrestling  for  a  manifestation  of  Di- 
vine grace  in  our  Church,  these  words  were 
given  me, — "  Until  the  Spirit  be  poured  from 
on  high,  and  the  wilderness  be  a  fruitful  field." 

Sunday,  Nov. — Mr.  Durbin  spoke  from 
"Godliness  with  contentment,"  &c, — much 
profited.     In    the    evening,    Mr.    Higgins, — 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  151 

"  They  who  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.'* 
He  remarked,  that  the  weeping  Christian  is  the 
happy  one.  This  consoled  me  ;  for  it  has  been 
suggested  that  my  face  is  too  often  wet  with 
tears. 

Dec.  25. — ^Left  my  pillow  long  before  the 
sun  had  reached  the  horizon  with  his  cheering 
rays.  The  meeting  house  resounded  with  grate- 
ful praise  to  Him  whose  appearance  on  earth 
was  the  theme  of  angelic  anthems,  and  exulta- 
tion of  the  heavenly  hosts;  The  first  three 
prayers  were  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  occasion. 
While  I  looked  forward  to  another  year  my 
soul  was  filled  with  solemn  forebodings  of  the 
changes  that  would  probably  occur  in  our 
family,  and  a  faintness  seized  me.  I  rose  to 
leave  the  house,  but  sunk  senseless  to  the 
ground  near  the  door.  When  gasping  for 
breath,  felt  that  it  Would  be  gain  to  die ;  but 
ah  !  my  passport  was  not  yet  given  ;  I  could 
not  yet  go  home.  Though  very  feeble,  I  heard 
Mr.  Higgins  at  ten  o'clock,  from  "  Christ  was 
manifested  in  the  flesh  to  take  away  sins."  In 
the  afternoon,  at  the  lovefeast,  was  encouraged 
by  hearing  some  clear  witnesses  of  the  great 
salvation. 

Jan.  1,  1830. — I  greet  the  first  moments  of 
the  new  year  with  feelings  new.  Can  it  be  that 
my  thread  of  life  is  not  yet  snapped  asunder  ? 
Alive  by  a  miracle  !  I  calculated  long  since  to 
have  rested  with  the  dead,  free  from  all  my  toils. 
I  stand  and  look  with  wonder  on  what  God  hath 
wrought  for  me  the  last  twelve  months  ;  his 


152  DIARY   OF   MISS    BLUNTING. 

calls,  helps,  mercies,  forbearances,  deliverances, 
rescues  from  evils,  support  under  the  fatigues 
of  moving  twice  ;  evident  answers  to  prayer. 
What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his 
benefits  ? 

I  am  resolved  to  be  more  circumspect  in  all 
I  say  and  do,  and  hang  from  moment  to  mo- 
ment on  a  crucified  Saviour.  Never  will  I 
unloose  my  hold  on  his  promises.  I  am  per- 
suaded that  it  is  his  will  that  even  a  worm  so 
weak  as  I  am  may  live  unspotted  from  the 
world. 

Jan.  23. — Rose  at  break  of  day  desiring  to 
be  employed  for  God.  Flesh  was  ready  to 
shrink  from  fulfilling  an  engagement  to  walk 
three  miles  to  a  mission  school  this  severely 
cold  morning.  Is  there  a  lamb  in  all  my  Fa- 
ther's flock  my  soul  disdains  to  feed  ?  I  re- 
signed my  own  ease,  and  the  enjoyment  of  pub- 
lic worship,  and  am  amply  compensated  by  the 
Divine  presence. 

Friday  night. — Mr.  Nicholson,  from  "  Men 
ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint."  My 
petitions  are  too  general.  1  will  endeavour  to 
have  stated  periods  to  wrestle  for  special  bless- 
ings and  particular  persons. 

Saturday. — Last  night  the  Lord  bid  me,  even 
in  sleep,  go  on,  and  made  my  very  dreams  de- 
vout ;  and  while  attending  to  secular  concerns 
to-day,  my  mind  has  been  fully  taken  up  with 
futurity. 

Friday. — Called  on  D.  Welsh — found  her 
exceedingly  debilitated  from  raising  blood,     I 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  1&3 

remarked,  that  her  weakness  of  course  pre- 
vented her  from  reading  much ;  her  answer 
was,  that  "  she  had  been  only  able  to  read  the 
Gospel  of  St.  Luke  through  during  the  day." 
She  then  repeated  nearly  all  the  eleventh  chap- 
ter of  Revelation,  saying  it  afforded  her  great 
consolation,  and  that  an  application  of  these 
scriptures  had  "  Satan's  every  dart  repelled." 

How  important,  thought  I,  are  Sabbath 
schools,  where  the  mind  is  stored  with  Gospel 
truth.  O  that  God  would  enable  me  to  place 
it  before  the  children  in  such  an  attracting  light 
as  to  induce  them  to  fall  in  love  with  its  Divine 
precepts. 

Feb.  20.— Mr.  Higgins — "Search  the  Scrip- 
tures." Nothing  could  be  more  appropriate  to 
my  feelings  than  the  subject  chosen  for  dis- 
cussion. Since  my  visit  to  D.  Welsh,  have 
felt  convinced  of  my  deficiency  in  attending  to 
this  important  duty.  I  would  have  the  sacred 
pages  written  on  my  heart. 

Feb.  28.— Attended  the  courts  of  Zion — 
much  profited  from  a  discourse  of  Mr.  Thatcher, 
•'  Be  ye  holy,  for  I  am  holy,"  &c.  I  long  to 
possess  all  the  Divine  fulness  as  far  as  is  at- 
tainable by  man.  I  am  perfectly  astonished 
that  professors  should  raise  so  many  objections 
to  the  doctrine  of  perfect  love  ;  yet  why  should 
I  wonder  1  The  carnal  mind  in  myself  once 
strongly  opposed  the  simplicity  and  power  of 
faith. 

March  13. — 111,  and  fatigued  in  body  and 
soul,  exulting  in  Christ  Jesus.     I  rest  in  his 


154  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

love,  and  all  my  powers  are  engaged  to  do  his 
will. 

Thursday,  March  16. — At  class.  Surely 
my  lines  have  fallen  to  me  in  pleasant  places. 
My  settled  and  immovable  purpose  of  soul  is 
to  be  more  devoted,  both  day  and  night,  to  the 
service  of  God. 

Friday. — Always  held  sacred  to  the  service 
of  God.  Ere  I  left  my  pillow  experienced  an 
unusual  going  out  of  soul  after  more  of  the  life 
of  love.  Before  I  left  the  room  my  soul  was 
filled  with  earnest  agonizing  prayer.  When 
my  hands  were  occupied  with  domestic  duties, 
the  goodness  of  the  Lord  so  passed  before 
me  that  I  was  led  to  exclaim,  "  Surely  I  am 
blessed  with  a  goodly  heritage." 

Sunday,  March  19. — While  in  the  sanctuary, 
the  fixedness  of  thought  I  enjoyed  convinced 
me  that  I  was  under  Divine  influence. 

April  5. — At  the  table  of  my  Father  the 
bread  of  life  was  broken.  Surely  his  grace  is  as 
the  dew  of  heaven  to  my  thirsty  soul.  Christ 
is  a  firm  and  sure  resting  place  to  me,  while 
tossed  on  the  troubled  sea  of  life. 

April  25. — Bishop  Hedding  preached  from, 
u  Except  a  corn  of  wheat  die,"  &c.  My  heart 
was  enlarged,  and  faith  strengthened  by  the 
rational  view  he  gave  of  the  scheme  of  re- 
demption, and  the  resurrection  by  Christ  Jesus. 

May  20. — I  never  had  freer  access  to  a 
sprinkled  throne  than  for  some  days  past. 
What  admixed  joy  and  fathomless  delight  to 
walk  in  the  sunshine  of  a  Father's  love  from 


DIARY   Of  MISS  BUNTING.  155 

day  to  day,  from  month  to  month,  and  year  to 

year. 

"  Each  following  minute  as  it  flies, 
Increase  thy  praise,  improve  my  joys." 

May  23. — Mr.  Patrick,  a  Presbyterian  cler- 
gyman, occupied  our  pulpit— ^pleased  to  see 
him  there,  and  profited  by  his  sermon  from, 
"Come,  for  all  things  are  now  ready." 

June  6. — Mr.  Higgins,  from,  "  These  words 
spoke  Jesus,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven," 
&c.  Attended  the  ordinance  of  the  Supper. 
While  at  the  hallowed  board,  at  every  breath  1 
cried, — 

*'  If  the  Son  hath  set  me  free, 
Let  me  taste  my  liberty; — 
Now  thine  inward  witness  bear, 
More  strong,  more  permanent,  more  clear." 

Suffered  much  from  pain  in  my  side — death 
never  wore  a  more  amiable  aspect.  Shall  I 
declare  that  I  am  weary  of  lingering  here  ?  no ; 
let  me  rather  say  with  a  child  at  a  boarding 
school,  "  I  am  willing  to  learn  every  lesson  that 
is  needful,  but  long  to  be  in  my  father's  house." 
June  20. — The  past  week  has  been  as  a 
bright  spot  in  my  mortal  career.  Cousin  L. 
Bunting's  society  has  proved  a  cordial  to  me 
at  this  season  of  deep  trial. 

"  Naught  that  is  seen  or  heard  is  half  so  fair, 
As  face  of  faithful  friend, 
Fairest  when  seen  in  darkest  day." 

June  22. — The  sympathies  of  my  soul  have 
been  wrought  up  to  the  highest  pitch  for , 


156  DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

who  will  no  doubt  very  soon  tread  death's  si- 
lent  shore  ;  yet,  alas  !  quite  unprepared  for  the 
world  to  come.  Affecting  sight ! — young  and 
beautiful.  Surely  death  loves  a  shining  mark. 
Closed  this  day  reading  Pollock's  Course  of 
Time.  What  an  astonishing  mind  for  one  so 
young.  How  have  his  descriptions  raised  my 
scanty  perceptions ! 

June  24. — Rode  eight  miles  this  morning 
through  the  pines. 

"  Pleasant  are  many  scenes,  but  most  to  me, 
That  solitude  of  vast  extent,  untouch'd 
By  hand  of  art,  where  nature  sow'd  herself, 
And  reap'd  her  crops  ;  whoso  minstrels  are  the 

brooks, 
Whose  lamps,  the  moon  and  stars." 

A  solemnity  always  steals  over  me  on  pass- 
ing through  the  cedar  swamp  ;  the  lofty  trees 
extend  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  nearly  exclude 
the  light  of  heaven.  We  rested  at  Union 
Hall,  the  resort  of  hundreds  for  dancing  on  the 
green.  With  what  different  feelings  should  I 
have  viewed  the  scene,  if  this  lovely  spot  was 
rendered  sacred,  by  happy  multitudes  coming 
under  these  lofty  boughs  for  prayer  and  praise 
to  the  God  of  nature.  Lord,  I  want  to  feel 
nothing  but  thee,  to  see  nothing  but  thee,  to 
think  of  nothing  but  thee ;  whether  in  the  temple 
or  the  grove,  whether  in  society  or  solitude. 

June  26. — Walked  to  the  village  to  attend 
female  prayer  meeting.  The  setting  sun's  last 
rays  gilded  the  surrounding  prospect,  when  S. 
A.  Budd  and  myself  reached  the  spot  where 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  157 

dear  E.'s  cold  remains  have  slept  in  solitude 
three  years.  O'er  her  silent  dust  the  storms 
of  life  now  beat,  unfelt  while  I  am  wandering 
up  and  down,  conversant  with  temptation  and 
severe  afflictions. 

"  My  soul  and  body  I  can  trust 
With  Him  who  numbers  ev'ry  dust." 

How  much  ignorance  of  God,  and  neglect 
of  his  precepts  prevail  in  this  neighbourhood. 
I  have  dropped  a  tract  at  many  of  their  doors. 
Lord,  bless  these  silent  messengers.     Relieved 

my  mind  by  speaking  plainly  to  Mr.  on 

the  importance  of  a  change  of  heart.  Board- 
ing and  travelling  causes  me  to  mix  more  with 
the  gay  world  than  I  wish. 

Asbury,  New- Jersey,  July  3i. — The  Lord 
hath  graciously  upheld  my  dear  sister  K.  thus 
far  in  extreme  weakness.  He  only  knows  what 
I  feel  on  her  account  ;  nevertheless,  holy  Fa- 
ther, not  our  will,  but  thine  be  done.  May  the 
clouds  which  obscure  her  evidence  be  dispersed 
"  by  thy  all-piercing  beam."  Crossed  a  high 
and  steep  mountain  for  the  benefit  of  a  mineral 
spring  ;  the  ride  was  not  only  interesting  from 
an  extended  prospect,  but  rendered  profitable 
by  conversing  on  the  momentous  subjects  of 
death  and  judgment.  My  intercourse  with  the 
holy  God,  in  this  dwelling  since  my  arrival 
hath  been  very  sweet.  The  moon,  with  her 
maiden  face,  and  a  host  of  glittering  stars,  look- 
ed meekly  forth  this  evening,  lighting  the  lofty 
mountain  tops,  which  are  visible  from  my 
chamber  window,  and  inspired  my  devotions. 


158  DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

Friday. — At  the  family  altar  the  Lord  gave 
me  my  full  soul's  desire,  and  assured  me  that 
he  would  be  a  refuge  in  the  day  of  calamity  ; 
and  though  the  earth  be  removed  and  the 
mountains  planted  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  yet 
will  he  never  forsake  those  who  trust  in  him. 
During  the  time  spent  here  I  have  been  filled 
with  pantings  for  more  constant  fervour  toward 
God.  While  mingling  with  my  dear  cousin  D., 
whose  heart  is  cast  in  the  same  mould  with  my 
own,  I  have  experienced  a  flow  of  soul  which 
surpasses  description  ;  but  we  had  to  endure 
the  pang  of  parting.  Cousin  A.  saw  us  safe  up 
the  rugged  steep  of  the  Muskenetong  mount, 
ain  four  miles.  As  we  descended,  the  valley 
lay  in  full  view  before  us,  the  plantations  ap. 
peared  like  little  garden  spots,  and  the  lofty 
forest  trees  which  grew  in  all  their  strength  and 
majesty  far  below  us,  looked  from  the  height 
like  small  bushes.  While  contemplating  these 
scenes  my  mind  was  led  from  "  nature  up  to 
nature's  God."  O,  who,  my  wondering  soul 
asks,  can,  with  the  volume  of  nature  open 
before  them,  deny  the  being  of  a  great  First 
Cause  ? 

"  Thy  parent  hand,  thy  forming  skill, 
Firm  fix'd  this  universal  chain  ; 
Else  empty  bajren  darkness  still 
Had  held  his  unmolested  reign." 

Frankford,  July  .24. — Attended  a  prayer 
meeting  in  a  private  house,  which  I  entered 
more  than  a  year  ago  to  solicit  Sunday  scholars. 
It  was  the  first  in  a  row  of  humble  cottages, 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  159 

whose  inhabitants  were  invited  to  attend  our 
meetings.  Three  out  of  eight  have  made  a 
profession  of  their  faith  in  Christ.  Two  of  the 
men  astonished  me  this  evening  by  their  free- 
dom in  prayer,  who  a  short  time  since  were  in 
the  gloom  of  nature's  night. 

July  27. — One  of  the  boarders  said  to  me, 
"  It  is  folly  to  dress  so  odd."  I  would  not  ap- 
pear singular  for  singularity's  sake,  as  humility 
and  courtesy  require  me  to  conform  to  the 
costumes  of  my  country.  I  wish  not,  I  dare 
not  follow  fashion,  or  indulge  in  idle  talk. 

"  Mild,  sweet,  serene,  and  tender  be  my  mood  ; 
Not  grave  with  sternness,  nor  with  lightness  free." 

Jenkentown,  July  21. — We  are  now  board- 
ing with  a  private  family,  situated  more  to  my 
mind  ;  yet,  alas  !  there  is  no  place  of  worship 
in  the  town.  The  irreverent  manner  the  holy 
Sabbath  is  kept  by  most  of  the  inhabitants  has 
shocked,  and  filled  me  with  keen  anguish.  O 
Jesus,  hasten  thy  kingdom  ;  come  and  put  an 
end  to  sin  and  misery.  Though  shut  out  from 
the  public  means,  and  my  acquaintance  out  of 
reach,  still  I  have  found  the  Saviour  near. 

Friday,  Aug.  19. — This  day,  as  is  my  cus- 
tom, has  been  more  solemnly  passed  in  devotion. 
He  who  fills  heaven  and  earth  is  witness  to  the 
many  hours  of  earnest  wrestling  I  have  passed 
beneath  this  roof,  for  its  inmates,  and  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  section  of  country.  I  believe 
there  is  great  efficacy  in  prayer. 


160  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

"  To  tell  our  Jesus  all  our  wants, 
How  pleasing  is  the  task." 

Aug,  20. — When  riding  this  morning,  I  was 
reminded  of  the  state  of  the  natural  heart  by- 
seeing  a  garden  filled  with  weeds.  It  led  me 
to  ask  what  I  should  be  were  it  not  for  trans- 
forming grace.  "  This  keeps  me  inly  poor, 
and  O  that  grace  may  keep  me  evermore." 
Lord,  Jesus,  make  me  after  thine  own  heart. 
I  have  been  charmed  with  the  scenery  which 
surrounds  this  village.  From  an  eminence  we 
had  a  view  of  twenty  miles'  distance.  I  walked 
half  a  mile  to  visit  a  young  creature  whom  con- 
sumption is  carrying  to  her  long  home — had  a 
most  interesting  interview,  and  left  the  mother 
and  her  three  children  in  tears.  God  grant 
that  this  youth,  cut  down  in  her  loveliness,  like 
a  morning  flower,  may  bloom  afresh  in  the  gar- 
den  of  paradise. 

Aug.  22. — Several  Sabbaths  I  have  attended 
Miss  Pepper's  school — took  leave  of  my  inte- 
resting class  of  boys.  I  am  led  to  hope,  by 
their  solemnity  and  tenderness  of  heart,  that 
truth  will  fasten  on  their  minds.  I  lament  to 
see  many  portions  of  my  time  spent  to  no  pur- 
pose. I  am  fully  convinced  that  my  constant 
concern  is  to  bring  each  day  a  revenue  of 
praise  to  God.  As  the  branch  derives  nutri- 
ment from  the  root,  so  does  my  dependent  soul 
from  Christ. 

Aug.  25. — I  was  aroused  last  night  by 
coughing,  which  was  a  sure  prelude  to  me  of 
raising  blood.     I  sat  up  for  some  time  filled 


DIARY   OF   MISS   BUNTIXG.  161 

with  awful  reflections,  and  earnest  pleadings 
with  God  for  a  constant  and  habitual  prepara- 
tion for  death  and  judgment. 

1  have  taken  a  ride  to  Germantown,  though 
an  entire  stranger,  to  request  the  circuit  preach* 
crs  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to 
this  dying  people.  For  two  weeks  I  have  been 
very  unwell,  and  this  morning  so  ill  as  scarce 
to  be  able  to  sit  in  the  carriage ;  but  such  is  the 
anxiety  I  feel  for  Jenkentown,  that  I  am  will- 
ing to  forego  any  convenience,  so  that  a  faithful 
ministry  may  be  established  there.  I  can  see 
a  Father's  hand  in  all  my  goings,  and  delight 
to  retrace  the  way  he  hath  led  me. 

Philadelphia,  Aug.  20. — Came  in  safety  to 
my  long  desired  home  yesterday  ;  yet  I  am 
aware  that  change  of  situation  will  only  be 
change  of  trials  ;  and  that  happiness  and  con- 
solation can  only  come  from  God*  It  hath 
been  said  that  he  had  one  So?i  without  sin  ; 
none  without  affliction.  Though  I  am  called 
to  endure  all  the  heart-breaking  certainties  of 
actual  affliction,  and  all  the  anticipations  of 
unknown  difficulties  yet  to  come ; — 
"  Still  I  will  triumph  in  the  Lord, — 
The  God  of  my  salvation  praise/' 

I  am  unable  in  the  language  of  mortals  to 
express  what  I  have  this  day  enjoyed.  Went 
to  class,  though  scarce  able  to  walk  there  ; 
and  was  humbled  under  a  continuation  of  the 
undeserved  mercies  of  my  God.  I  have  taken 
Jesus  for  my  chief  good,  and  ask  no  better 
portion. 

11 


162  DIARY    OF  MISS   BUNTING* 

Sept.  4. — Taken  the  twenty -seventh  of  last 
month  to  my  bed  with  the  intermittent  fever. 
My  soul  was  watered  during  this  attack  with 
the  peace-giving  influence  of  Divine  grace  ; 
and  was  enabled  to  tell  my  sorrows  in  flowing 
language  to  Jesus,  my  invariable  Friend.  He 
screened  my  head  in  the  day  of  battle,  and  de- 
livered me  from  the  powers  of  darkness. 

Sept.  14. — I  write  by  stealth,  as  my  friends 
have  prohibited  it,  or  even  talking. — Was  seized 
on  the  fifth  instant  with  raising  blood,  and  have 
had  two  attacks  since,  t  was  kept  perfectly 
calm  under  my  most  terrifying  symptoms.  It  is 
a  solemn  thing  to  look  death  steadily  in  the 
face.  Thank  God,  that  when  my  bodily  afflic- 
tions have  been  raised  to  the  greatest  height, 
the  consolatioiis  of  grace  have  been  much 
more  abundant.  This  sweet  promise  has  been 
a  stay  to  my  soul, — "  As  thy  day  is,  so  shall 
thy  strength  be.'" 

Sept.  25. — Had  the  privilege  of  spending  a 
week  at  Mr.  Buckman's  delightful  retreat.  1 
am  much  recruited  through  their  kindness. 
The  beauties  and  stillness  of  this  scene  tended 
to  elevate  my  soul.  Experienced  many  sweet 
seasons  of  union  with  these  dear  friends,  and 
holy  intercourse  with  the  great  I  AM. 
•  Nov.  14. — Complicated  and  deep  have  been 
the  exercises  of  my  mind  since  my  last  date  ; 
while  I  have  with  trembling  struggled  to  per- 
form the  many  duties  incumbent  on  me.  Jesus 
has  been  by  my  side.  As  long  as  I  am  ca- 
pable of  thankfulness,  I  shall  never  be  in  want 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  163 

of  a  cause,  I  will  magnify  the  Most  High  for 
the  firm  foundation  which  is  built  for  my  faith 
in  his  excellent  word.  My  soul  was  warmed 
with  heavenly  rapture  while  meditating  on  the 
unutterable  glory  spoken  of  by  St.  Paul.  I  am 
seeking  a  complete  fitness  for  an  entrance  into 
this  bright  abode,  and  crying  that  God  may  not 
only  wash  my  feet,  but  my  hands  from  every 
action  unworthy  the  dignity  of  a  Christian  ;  my 
head  from  vain  imaginations  ;  my  heart  from 
every  undue  attachment  ;  and  let  my  life  and 
walk -be  as  a  living  epistle,  seen  and  read  of  all 
men. 

[The  following  extract  is  inserted  here  for 
its  uncommon  interest : — ] 

My  dear  sister,  Christiana  Syng  De  Haven, 
daughter  of  Charles  and  Ann  Bunting,  was 
born  at  Octoraro,  West  Nottingham,  (Mary- 
land,) on  Monday,  March  28,  1796.  At  an 
cerly  period  of  her  life  her  parents  removed  to 
Philadelphia,  where  she  received  her  educa- 
tion. While  she  was  a  child  she  attended  the 
meetings  of  the  society  of  Friends  ;  but  as  she 
grew  in  years  her  mind  was  visited  with  deep 
convictions.  She  felt  the  necessity  of  giving 
her  heart  wholly  to  the  Lord  ;  of  coming  out 
from  the  world,  and  making  a  public  profession 
of  religion.  In  the  nineteenth  year  of  her  age, 
under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmoor, 
she  was  brought  to  a  saving  acquaintance  with 
Jesus  Christ,  the  friend  of  sinners,  and  united 
herself  to  St.  Paul's  Church,  of  which  Mr. 
Pilmoor  was   rector.     From    the   commence- 


164  DIARV    OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

ment  of  her  Christian  course  she  manifested  a 
zeal  in  the  cause  of  God  seldom  witnessed. 
She  took  a  decided  stand  on  the  side  of  Chris- 
tianity, and  neither  the  vanities  of  the  world, 
nor  the  temptations  of  Satan,  ever  allured  her 
from  the  path  of  duty. 

She  assisted  in  establishing  one  of  the  first 
Sabbath  schools  that  was  formed  in  Philadel- 
phia, of  which  she  was  for  more  than  ten  years 
a  faithful  teacher.  It  may  indeed  be  said  her 
heart  was  in  this  good  work  :  her  fervent  pray- 
ers were  heard  in  heaven  for  the  children  under 
her  care,  and  several  of  them  were  brought 
from  the  darkness  of  nature  to  the  glorious  light 
of  the  Gospel. 

In  the  year  1825  she  was  married  to  Mr. 
Hugh  De  Haven,  who  truly  proved  a  helpmeet 
to  her  in  the  way  to  the  kingdom.  After  her 
union  with  Mr.  De  Haven  her  sphere  of  use- 
fulness was  in  a  measure  enlarged.  Her  heart 
and  house  were  open  to  receive  the  friends  of 
Jesus  ;  and  though  a  member  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  her  warm  heart  embraced  Christians 
of  every  name  and  sect.  She  has  often  been 
heard  to  say,  "  I  love  the  image  of  my  Master 
with   equal   affection   wherever   I   behold   it." 

The  poor  and  the  destitute  were  ever  taught  to 
look  up  to  her  as  their  friend,  and  never  were 
any  known  to  ask  her  assistance  in  vain.  With 
a  liberal  hand  she  aided  in  sending  the  Gospel 
to  heathen  lands.  She  was  especially  inte- 
rested in  the  work  of  the  Lord  nmong  the 
natives  of  our  forests,  and  rejoiced  greatly  in 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  165 

the  conquests  of  the  Redeemer's  cross  amid 
these  long  neglected  people.  In  the  spring  of 
1828  her  husband  removed  to  Frankford, 
Pennsylvania,  for  the  benefit  of  her  health. 
There  being  no  Episcopal  church  in  that  vil- 
lage, they  opened  their  doors  for  Methodist 
preaching,  and  they  had  the  satisfaction  to  see 
their  house  crowded  with  attentive  hearers. 
The  blessing  of  the  Lord  attended  the  minis- 
tration of  the  word  ;  and  though  ineffectual 
efforts  had  been  made  for  twenty  years  to  raise 
a  society  there,  the  preachers  now  succeeded 
in  forming  a  class.  The  work  of  God  from 
that  small  commencement,  has  continued  to 
prosper,  and  they  have  at  this  time  a  comfort- 
able place  of  worship,  a  Sabbath  school,  and 
more  than  sixty  members  in  Church  fellowship. 
In  the  year  1829  her  health  became  much  im- 
paired, and  it  was  soon  apparent  that  consump- 
tion had  marked  her  for  its  victim ;  and  although 
no  immediate  danger  was  to  be  apprehended, 
yet  she  was  sensible  that  death  had  received 
his  commission  to  destroy.  Being  naturally 
of  a  cheerful,  engaging  disposition,  it  kept  her 
long  from  sinking  under  the  ravages  of  the  dis. 
ease,  Through  the  whole  of  her  affliction  her 
confidence  in  God,  through  the  merits  of  Jesus, 
remained  unshaken.  But  her  affections  were 
so  strongly  placed  upon  her  husband  and  chil- 
dren, that  the  idea  of  leaving  her  babes  mother- 
less cast  a  gloom  over  her  mind  as  she 
advanced  toward  the  grave  ;  and  though  she 
had  ever  been  a  uniform  cross-bearing  Chris. 


166  DIAIiY  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

tian,  she  felt  her   nature  to  shrink  when  she 
thought  of  dying. 

In  October,  1830,  she  was  entirely  confined 
to  her  room,  and  it  was  plainly  seen  that  death 
was  approaching  fast.  Her  friends  were  con- 
stantly engaged  in  prayer,  that  she  might,  with 
holy  resignation,  give  up  all  that  were  dear  to 
her  into  the  hands  of  God,  and  that  every  cloud 
which  obscured  her  spiritual  sky  might  be  dis- 
persed. 

Friday,  November  18. — Mr.  De  Haven  ex- 
pressed a  wish  to  sit  up  with  her  ;  on  which 
she  observed  that  her  death  would  be  a  great 
relief  to  him.  Mr.  D.  begged  she  would  not 
talk  thus.  "  Why,"  she  answered,  "  conversing 
on  my  change  will  not  hasten  my  departure, 
and  I  think  it  profitable  to  become  familiar 
with  my  final  foe."  She  then  informed  him 
where  she  wished  to  be  buried,  and  continued, 
"  My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord  ;  for  though 
my  brother  C,  sister  H.,  and  myself  were  left 
very  early  in  life  almost  without  a  Christian 
friend,  yet  he  has  been  our  guard,  and  brought 
vis  all  to  a  knowledge  of  himself.  Then  why 
should  I  shrink  from  committing  my  sweet  babes 
into  the  hands  of  the  same  almighty  Friend  ? 
My  dear  husband,  let  them  be  brought  up  in  his 
fear,  and  my  last  and  dying  request  is,  that 
they  may  never  be  intrusted  to  the  care  of  any 
person  destitute  of  vital  godliness  :  and  do  be 
very  particular  to  dress  them  plain." 

Saturday,  19. — She  talked  to  me  with  the 
utmost  composure  relative  to  her  leaving  us, 


DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  167 

and  told  me  how  she  wished  her  effects  dis- 
posed of  among  her  friends,  and  declared  if  the 
Lord  should  ever  raise  her  again  to  health, 
it  was  her  design  to  unite  herself  to  the  Me- 
thodist Church,  as  she  found  their  ministry  and 
means  better  calculated  to  promote  a  growth 
in  grace  than  any  she  had  known.  For  two 
weeks  she  took  no  solid  food.  All  that  re- 
freshed her  "was  rinsing  her  mouth  with  cold 
water.  After  using  some  in  this  way,  with 
gratitude  beaming  in  her  eyes,  she  said,  "  This 
is  very  reviving ;  but  bless  the  Lord  for  the 
prospect  of  shortly  drinking  from  the  river  of 
life." 

Wednesday. ,  24. — "  Dark  post  of  observa- 
tion."— I  seem  almost  to  taste  the  bitterness  of 
death  with  the  clear  sufferer.  Her  room  is  a 
fallowed  spot.  It  has  been  sanctified  by  the 
prayers  of  the  saints.  This  day  she  changed 
for  the  worse.  Having  frequently  asked  me 
the  hour,  I  was  desirous  to  know  if  it  proceeded 
from  impatience,  and  asked  her  if  she  felt  any 
disposition  to  complain,  or  wish  her  sufferings 
Hess.  She  quickly  answered,  "  0  no !"  and  then, 
with  a  look  of  surprise,  added,  Ci  I  never  thought 
of  such  a  thing." 

Friday,  26. — 1  felt  it  my  duty  to  inform  my 
precious  sister  that  Dr.  Brinkle  thought  her 
end  was  near,  and  that  perhaps  this  day  would 
be  her  last  She  appeared  to  realize  fully  that 
the  time  of  her  exit  was  at  hand.  She  burst 
into  tears,  and  with  much  earnestness  exclaimed, 
"O  !  Hannah,  do  you  think  it  is  all  right  with 


168  DIARY    OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

me  now  ?"  I  told  her  I  had  not  the  shadow  of 
a  doubt  that  she  was  accepted  with  God.  "  But 
ah  !"  she  added,  "  I  have  grown  too  cold  ;  yet  I 
know  that  I  have  been  sincere  in  my  efforts  to 
glorify  God  :  but  what  are  works  now  ?  I  have 
nothing  to  lean  upon  but  the  Saviour."  Mr. 
Higgins  came,  and  again  engaged  in  prayer 
and  praise.  She  then  said  she  felt  a  firm  trust 
in  Jesus,  yet  could  not  claim  the  promises  as 
she  wished.  He  exhorted  her  to  continue  con- 
fiding in  God,  and  she  would  never  be  con- 
founded. From  this  time  she  appeared  more 
fervent  in  spirit. 

Saturday,  27. — Had  a  visit  from  the  Rev. 
T.  Allen.  After  he  had  prayed  she  took  but 
little  notice  of  what  was  passing  until  the  dusk 
of  the  evening,  when  she  called  me  to  her,  and 
wished  to  know  if  I  was  lifting  up  my  heart  in 
her  behalf.  This  had  been  her  constant  prac- 
tice for  some  time,  and  continued  so  until  the 
last,  whenever  her  medicine  or  drink  was  ad- 
ministered. "  Hannah,"  said  she,  "  I  have  no 
wish  to  be  restored  ;"  and  then,  with  clasped 
hands  and  raised  eyes,  cried  out,  "  O  !  for  one 
bright  view  of  heaven,  one  sweet  smile  from 
Jesus ;"  and  frequently  through  the  evening 
repeated  the  same  language.  She  passed  a 
tolerably  comfortable  night,  and  on  Sunday  fre- 
quently asked  Mr.  De  Haven  to  read  short  por- 
tions of  Scripture,  she  not  being  able  to  bear 
much  at  a  time.  In  the  afternoon  S.  R.  called, 
for  whose  salvation  my  sister  had  felt  long  in- 
terested ;  and   though   exceedingly  weak,  she 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  169 

faithfully  warned  her  to  give  up  the  empty  va- 
nities of  time,  and  prepare  for  the  dying  hour, 
that  they  might  meet  in  heaven. 

At  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening  she  thought  she 
was  entering  the  dark  valley,  and  called  on 
those  around  her  to  pray  that  she  might  have 
a  clearer  witness.  All  present  knelt  in  silent 
agonizing  prayer  ;  a  peaceful  answer  was  sent, 
and  she  broke  the  silence  with  the  voice  of 
praise  and  thanksgiving*  She  continued  speak- 
ing for  two  hours,  with  strength  and  tones  alto- 
gether supernatural. 

The  first  words  we  caught  were,  "  My  Je- 
sus, my  Saviour,  come,  for  all  things  are  now 
ready."  After  interceding  in  a  particular  man- 
ner for  all  that  were  near  and  dear  to  her,  she 
thanked  the  Lord  most  fervently  for  providing 
her  so  tender  a  companion,  and  one  that  feared 
and  served  him.  "  Mr.  De  Haven,"  said  she, 
"  none  but  God  and  my  heart  knows  the  warm 
affection  I  have  for  you.  Be  faithful,  and  we 
shall  soon  meet  in.  the  skies."  Then  taking 
her  marriage  ring  from  off  her  hand,  put  it  on 
his  in  the  most  impressive  manner.  I  re- 
marked, "You  are  now  wholly  wedded  to 
Christ ;"  to  which  she  assented.  She  con- 
tinued to  offer  up  her  grateful  acknowledgments 
to  the  Father  of  spirits  that  her  dear  brother 
Charles  was  on  his  way  to  heaven  ;  bade  him 
persevere  with  all  diligence,  until  they  should 
unite  on  high  in  adoring  the  g'-eat  Three  One. 
Turning  to  me,  she  said  some  tender  things, 
which   much  effected  me, — urged  me  to  live 


170  DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

near  the  Lord,  and  requested  me  to  take 
charge  of  her  darling  children.  "  Hannah," 
said  she,  "  take  my  sweet  babes  ;  hide  them  in 
your  bosom  ;  and  O  may  they,  and  all  of  you, 
be  hid  in  Christ  !  Watch  with  special  care 
over  my  little  boy ;  and  as  soon  as  his  and 
dear  Susan's  mind  expand,  strive  to  impress 
their  hearts  with  religious  truth."  While 
giving  me  those  charges  her  eyes  were  bent 
upon  me,  as  if  they  would  have  left  one  of  their 
bright  unearthly  rays  as  a  seal  to  her  death- 
bed charge. 

At  her  desire,  the  domestics  were  brought  to 
her  side,  that-  she  might  give  them  her  last  ad- 
monition  and  blessing.  Ellen  had  been  long 
under  her  care  in  the  Sabbath  school,  and  is 
now  in  a  fair  way  to  unite  with  her  beloved 
teacher  in  the  mansions  of  eternal  rest.  Har- 
riet she  took  very  young,  and  fully  discharged 
her  duty  to  this  poor  orphan,  and  has  now  with 
her  dying  breath  warned  her  to  forsake  the  ways 
of  sin.  She  went  on  to  say,  "Tell  all  my 
friends  how  cheerfully  I  am  enabled  to  resign 
my  husband  and  children,  and  all  that  are  near 
to  me,  to  the  Lord."  Then  with  feeling  re- 
peated,— 

"  There  everlasting  spring  abides, 
And  never-withering  flowers." 

She  seemed  now  to  draw  very  near  the  gates  of 
death  ;  her  voice  was,  at  last,  like  music  dying 
on  the  ear.  We  thought  her  freed  spirit  had 
winged  its  way  to  the  paradise  above ;  but  to 


DIARY   01'  MISS   HUNTING.  171 


iT 


our  great  surprise  she  again  revived,  to  sun 
more  than  language  can  describe.  For  a  few- 
hours  she  appeared  to  sleep  sweetly  ;  on  awak- 
ing, with  a  tone  of  disappointment  she  remarked, 
"  I  thought  the  last  struggle  was  over,  but  I  find 
it  is  not." 

Monday.— It  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty 
she  could  breathe  or  speak ;  for  some  time 
the  doors  and  windows  had  been  kept  open  to 
admit  the  air  ;  now  she  could  not  bear  the  least 
fire,  though  the  weather  was  cold  and  wet. 
We  had  a  soothing  visit  this  morning  from  Mr. 
Higgins.  It  being  said  to  her  that  "  religion 
was  no  cunningly  devised  fable,"  "  No,"  was 
her  reply,  "  and  the  power,  the  power  of  it  is 
what  I  want  now."  Her  soul  was  filled  with 
the  love  of  God.  She  exclaimed,  u  O,  precious 
Jesus,  what  should  I  do  now  without  such  a 
prop  1  My  great  High  Priest  above  !  O  that 
I  had  strength  to  speak  in  honour  of  his  name. 
From  Pisgah's  top  I  view  the  promised  land. 
At  seven  o'clock  this  evening  I  retired  to  take 
some  rest,  but  found  I  could  not  lie.  On 
reaching  the  door  of  my  sister's  chamber,  I 
heard  her  say,  "  Where  is  Hannah  ?  I  can  do 
no  longer  without  her."  I  was  in  a  moment 
by  her  side,  and  found  her  almost  exhausted. 
She  asked  me  with  much  earnestness,  if  I  did 
not  think  this  struggle  would  be  the  last  ?" 
"  Yes,"  I  said,  "  the  strife,  I  believe,  will  soon 
cease."  "O,"  she  cried,  "that  the  Lord  might 
come  and  release  me,  and  all  of  you,"  (alluding 
to   our    exposure    to    the   damp    cold    wind,) 


172  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

"  nevertheless,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done. 
Where  am  I  now  l  On  the  stormy  banks  of 
Jordan,  just  entering  the  cold  stream  ;"  and 
such  it  proved,  for  Satan  was  permitted  to 
assail  her ;  the  powers  of  darkness  seemed 
combined  to  destroy  her  faith.  During  the 
night  watches  she  was  exercised  with  expiring 
suiferings  too  exquisite  to  be  imagined  ;  but 
through  all  no  murmur  escaped  her  lips  ;  the 
disposition  she  manifested  was,  "Though  He 
slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  him."  Through  the 
long  night  the  house  resounded  with  the  voice 
of  prayer,  and  the  power  of  God  was  displayed 
in  a  manner  that  will  never  be  forgotten.  In  the 
morning  her  language  was,  "  Blessed  Saviour ! 
bid  me  stretch  out  my  weak,  withered  hand, 
and  lay  hold  on  thee  ;  I  have  a  faint  view  of 
tiie  New  Jerusalem,  and,  severe  as  my  anguish 
is,  I  would  not  exchange  situations  with  any  of 
you,  my  friends."  The  continual  cry  of  her 
soul  now  was,  "  Why  are  his  chariot  wheels 
so  long  in  coming  ?  The  world  is  nothing  to 
me  now."  Her  faith  strengthened  in  the  pros- 
pect of  a  speedy  release  ;  she  testified  to  me, 
that  "Satan  no  longer  held  her  in  bondage 
through  fear  of  death."  Her  dying  words  were, 
"  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  and  come  quickly.  Amen," 
The  expression  of  her  countenance  in  the 
last  agony  was  more  Divine  than  human  ; 
"  her  eyes  grew  bright,  too  bright  for  us  to  look 
upon  ;"  and  without  a  lingering  groan  she 
more  than  conquered  the  king  of  terrors,  and 
entered  the  haven  of  everlasting  repose  at  three 


DIARY  OF   MISS  BUNTING.  173 

o'clock  on  Tuesday  afternoon,    the    30ih    of 
November,  1830. 

Wednesday. — I  have  just  left  the  room 
whence  my  dear  sister  so  recently  escaped  to 
the  bosom  of  her  Father.  It  seemed  more  to 
me  like  the  portals  of  heaven,  than  the  gloomy 
vestibule  of  the  tomb  ;  yet  how  solemn  to  gaze 
on  the  corpse  when  the  spirit  is  fled.  My 
little  Susan  has  been  my  companion,  and  is 
much  impressed  with  the  scene.  Lord  Jesus, 
endow  her  and  little  Charles  with  grace  to  tread 
in  the  footsteps  of  their  mother,  who  now  sleeps 
in  Jesus  and  is  blessed.  And  would  I  awake  her 
out  of  sleep,  and  call  her  spirit  back  to  re- 
animate that  cold  frame,  to  mingle  again  in  the 
toils  of  earth  ?  No.  This  is  the  triumph  of 
cur  holy  faith.  The  saddest,  most  dreary,  and 
most  heart-rending  moments  of  life  are  occa- 
sions of  the  most  Divine  consolation  and  sup- 
port.  This  has  been  amply  verified  in  my  case. 
God  gives  a  martyr's  grace  in  a  martyr's  suf- 
fering. He  has  given  me  extraordinary  support 
under  extraordinary  trials.  I  always  did  con- 
template death  with  a  degree  of  awe  ;  and  how 
tremendous  was  the  shock  my  angelic  sister 
had  to  encounter  !  Yet  I  will  praise  thee,  O 
Lord,  for  the  victory,  and  that  she  had  her 
faculties  and  speech  until  within  ten  minutes 
before  nature  entirely  failed,  and  death  closed 
the  scene.  The  dark  sepulchre  appears  to  me 
a  place  of  glory,  and  the  burial  of  tho.se  who 
are  dearest  an  occasion  of  exultation.  We  in- 
tend to-morrow  to  lay  up  her  dear  remains,  in 


174  DIARY   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

comfortable  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection  ; 
and  while  her  pure  spirit  is  welcomed  by  the 
songs  of  angels  above,  is  it  not  right  that  our 
voices  below  should  join  the  consoling,  the  en- 
rapturing strain  ?  Yes,  dear  companion  in 
affliction,  go  from  a  suffering  Church  beneath, 
to  a  reigning  Church  on  high. 

Her  end  was  psace, 


Fitting  her  uniform  piety  serene  ; 
'Tvvas  rather  the  deep,  humble  calm  of  faith, 
Than  her  high  triumph  ;  and  resembled  more 
Th'  unnoticed  setting  of  a  clear  day's  sun, 
Thun  his  admired  departure,  in  a  blazo 
Of  glory,  bursting  from  a  clouded  course." 

Jan.  21,  1831. — What  progress  have  I  made 
in  piety  the  past  year  1  how  passed  the  fleeting 
moments?  It  has  been,  I  am  confident,,  my 
settled  and  habitual  purpose  of  soul,  to  be 
wholly  the  Lord's.  I  have  had  many  gracious 
beasons  of  communion  with  my  glorified  Sa- 
viour. "  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy 
mercy  ;  for  thou,  O  Lord.*  hast  considered  my 
soul  in  trouble  :  thou  hast  known  my  soul  in 
adversities."  Though  my  path  hath  been  rough 
and  thorny,  still  I  can  praise  God  for  every 
sorrow. 

Thirty  hours  after  my  sister's  spirit  left  the 
clay,  to  human  appearance,  I  was  brought  near 
death  from  the  rupturing  of  a  blood  vessel  ; 
— raised  more  than  a  pint  of  blood.  I  did,  in- 
deed teem  to  breathe  the  chilling  airs  of  death. 
Satan  would  fain  have  made  me  fear  that  the 
pains  of  death  would  be  so  excruciating  as  to 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  175 

destroy  ray  faith  ;  yet  he  found  no  place  in  my 
heart.  I  felt  an  implicit  trust  in  the  veracity 
of  Jehovah.  Peace,  permanent  peace  was  my 
portion.  O,  the  Divine  sweetness  I  found  in 
having  no  will  of  my  own ;  my  soul  was  incon- 
ceivably happy,  and  heaven  looked  much 
brighter  to  me  than  earth. 

Jan.  23. — Mercie3  singularly  great  crowd 
my  clays.  Especially  let  me  record  the  com- 
passion of  the  Lord  in  raising  up  so  many  kind 
friends  in  this  time  of  need.  My  dearest 
Lydla  tested  her  love  by  travelling  one  hundred 
miles  at  this  severely  cold  season,  and  has  been 
my  comfort  and  solace  during  near  two  months 
of  languor  and  disease.  This  day  the  Lord 
hath  required  the  loan,  and  enabled  me  to  re- 
sign her  with  a  cheerful  heart,  by  filling  my  soul 
with  most  sensible  manifestations  of  his  pre- 
sence. All  the  day  I  have  been  basking  in 
the  love  of  God  in  Christ.  I  seemed  for  two 
nights  past  to  have  intercourse  with  the  spirits 
of  the  departed.  This  morning  I  awoke  two 
hours  before  day,  and  closed  my  eyes  no  more. 
Ail  within  was  attuned  to  praise  from  an 
impression  left  by  a  dream,  in  which  I  ima- 
gined having  an  interview  with  the  Rev.  J. 
Wesley,  and  was  greatly  encouraged  by  his 
words. 

I  rejoice  to  testify  that  my  hope  of  final  sal- 
vation has  acquired  stability  by  my  recent  trials, 
which  amply  compensates  for  the  loss  of  my 
dear  sister,  health,  and   the  public  means  of 


176  DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

Feb.  12. — While  the  sun  was  darkened  by 
an  eclipse,  my  mind  was  absorbed  in  a  train 
•of  profitable  reflections.  This  same  luminary, 
at  the  command  of  Jehovah,  "  stood  still  upon 
Gibeon,"  till  Israel  were  avenged  of  their  ene- 
mies. What  a  scene  of  confusion  and  distress 
would  ensue  if  our  globe  were  deprived  of  the 
sun's  bright  rays !  yet,  that  would  be  nothing 
to  the  effect  of  the  absence  of  the  Sun  of  right- 
eousness.  How  void  of  light  and  comfort 
would  my  heart  be  without  his  cheering  illu- 
minations ! 

Sunday,  Feb.  13. — My  flesh  impedes  the 
impulses  of  my  spirit  to  be  found  in  the  various 
walks  of  usefulness.  My  affections  linger 
round  the  Sabbath  school.  It  is  a  great  privi- 
lege to  be  permitted  to  do  good.  I  should 
think  some  months  past  were  lost,  did  I  not 
hope  that  it  has  been  a  season  for  the  exercise 
of  patience.  This  fainting,  weakness,  and  pain, 
are  the  cup  my  Father  hath  given  me,  and 
shall  I  not  drink  it  ?  Through  the  communi- 
cation of  his  Holy  Spirit,  I  do  enjoy  an  humble 
and  resigned  frame  of  mind.  Though  shut  out 
from  the  assembly  of  the  saints,  I  exult  in  the 
thought  that  prayer  and  praise  are  offered  up 
in  faith  at  the  same  hour,  and  to  the  same  God, 
by  ten  thousand  voiees.  My  heavenly  Father. 
I  believe,  will  be  with  me,— 

"  Till  like  buvnish'd  gold  f  shine, 
Meet,  through  consecrated  pain, 
To  see  thy  face  Divine." 

Feb.  15.— I  sec  myself  in  great  danger  from 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING,  177 

the  spirit  of  ease  and  self-indulgence  which  the 
slender  state  of  my  health  appears  to  demand. 
Lord,  if  I  can  do  no  good  in  the  world,  suffer 
me  not  to  live  to  do  harm. 

Feb.  18. — Time,  with  swift  wing,  is  brushing 
away  all  things  that  are  not  immortal.  O,  my 
soul, — 

"  What  though  thy  pleasure  may  depart, 
And  darksome  days  be  given ; 
And  lonely  though  on  earth  thou  art, 
Yet  bliss  awaits  the  lowly  heart, 
When  friends  rejoin  in  heaven" 

Not  one  trial  could  my  heavenly  Father  in 
faithfulness  have  spared  me.  He  has  kindly 
broken  up  the  enchantments  of  this  world,  at 
which  I  might  have  sat  and  sipped,  to  my  ever- 
lasting destruction.  God  has  entirely  sundered 
my  heart  from  the  hope  of  unalloyed  felicity  on 
this  side  Jordan  ;  yet  he  has  set  a  firm  stepping 
place  for  me  upon  the  stormy  surge.  How 
sweet  to  find  myself  sheltered  in  the  cleft  of 
the  rock,  while  the  storm  is  raging  around. 

Feb.  28. — How  has  the  lustre  of  the  world 
faded  in  my  view,  and  its  fascinations  been 
broken  by  bodily  and  mental  anguish.  It  is  all 
of  grace  that  I  am  what  I  am.  Death  is  cer- 
tain. On  a  worm  none  can  safely  lean.  I  am 
convinced  of  this  from  my  own  feebleness,  and 
have  ample  proof  of  it  by  the  removal  of  others 
out  of  time.  My  dear  cousin  D.  Wiggins  is  num- 
bered with  the  pale  nations  under  ground. 
Her  happy  spirit  has  taken  its  flight  to  endless 
glory.  What  a  transition  ! — an  earthly  de- 
12 


178  DIAKY  OF   MISS    BUNTING. 

cayed  tabernacle  exchanged  for  "  a  building  of 
God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in 
the  heavens  ;" — a  bed  of  suffering  for  a  throne, 
— weeping  circles,  for  shining  ranks  of  angels, 
and  all  the  multitude  of  glorified  spirits.  My 
dear  cousin's  end  was  peaceful.  She  and  my 
beloved  sister  are  landed  safe  where  there  will 
be  no  more  parting. 

March  13. — My  heart  is  drawn  out  in  grate- 
ful acknowledgments  for  an  unexpected  oppor- 
tunity of  hearing  a  discourse  from  Mr.  Massy. 
The  psalm  he  read  had  been  the  subject  of  my 
morning's  meditations.  How  I  then  longed  to 
see  the  goings  of  my  Lord  in  the  sanctuary  as 
in  time  past.  This  afternoon  the  favour  was 
granted.  The  hymns  were  on  the  subject  of 
the  Christian's  warfare.  The  text  too  exactly 
suited  my  frame^-Eph.  vi,  10-13:  "Finally, 
brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,"  &e.  I  have 
reaped  benefit  from  affectionately  endeavouring 
to  point  out  to  several  of  my  Christian  friends 
what  I  judged  to  be  a  hinderance  to  their 
growth  in  grace.  Since  I  am  laid  aside  as  a 
broken  vessel,  I  pray  to  be  useful  in  promoting 
personal  holiness  among  those  I  am  conversant 
with.  Above  all  I  would  watch,  not  only  the 
exterior,  but  also  the  interior  movements  of  my 
own  soul.  I  long  to  obtain  n  maturity  of  every 
grace. 

March  29. — Striving  to  lessen  the  anguish 
of  others  has  mitigated  my  own.  The  Lord 
lias  made  providences  effectual  instead  of  -or- 
dinances.    He  upholds  me  with  his  own  right 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  179 

arm,  and  keeps  me  as  the  apple  of  his  eye.  I 
have  had  some  close  trials  of  late,  which  con- 
vince me  that  I  must  not  suffer  my  affections 
to  settle  on  the  empty  shadows  of  this  dying 
world.  Still  blessed  and  comforted  by  visions  of 
the  night.  I  am  thankful  for  strength  again  to 
pray  vocally. 

April  2. — Infinite  wisdom  still  protracts  my 
stay  on  earth.  The  mercies  of  my  life  are  too 
diversified  to  enumerate  ;  and  not  among  the 
least  I  esteem  the  strength  afforded  me  to  at- 
tend the  courts  of  Zion,  where  Mr.  Higgins 
preached,  what  I  suppose  will  be  his  last  ser- 
mon, from  "  Wherefore,  comfort  your  hearts 
with  these  words."  How  many  thousand  ills 
is  flesh  heir  to !  yet,  blessed  be  God,  I  sorrow 
not  as  one  without  hope.  I  have  seen  many 
of  my  friends  laid  in  the  mansions  of  the  dead 
through  Aveakness.  but  they  shall  be  raised  in 
power.  Here  all  comparison  fails.  O  how 
spiritless  and  paralytic  are  my  present  thoughts 
of  heaven  !  I  was  covered  with  blushing  while 
bowed  at  the  sacramental  board,  and  my  mind 
intensely  bent  on  seeking  more  of  God.  I 
want  every  branch  and  degree  of  holiness. 

April  3. 

"  Have  I  consider'd  what  it  is  to  die  ? 
In  native  dust  with  kindred  worms  to  lie  ? 

To  sleep  in  cheerless,  eold  neglect, — to  rot ; — 
My  body  loath'd,  my  very  name  forgot?" 

I  fully  feel  that  I  shall  take  but  a  few 
more  turns  in  this  world.  Happy  shall  I  be 
if  my  day's  work  here  -keeps  pace  with   my 


180  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

fleeting  moments.  If  any  things  earthly  had 
too  much  of  my  heart,  it  was  my  friends.  The 
dearest  are  removed  out  of  time,  so  that  I  am 
forced  to  raise  my  thoughts  toward  heaven 
when  I  think  of  them.  Thank  God  that  chas- 
tisements, though  they  be  not  joyous  but 
grievous,  have  in  a  great  measure  lost  their 
sting  with  me.  The  rod,  as  well  as  the  staff, 
comfort  me.  I  am  enabled  to  kiss  the  hand 
that  is  smiting  me,  and  derive  enjoyment  from 
its  severity.  I  am  truly  glad  that  I  have  kept 
a  journal ;  I  had  otherwise  forgotten  much  of 
what  I  have  done  against  God,  and  of  what  he 
has  done  for  me. 

April  12.— Mr.  Higgins  met  our  class  for 
the  last  time.  It  was  a  season  never  to  be 
forgotten.  I  shall  ofttimes  revert  to  the  ser- 
mons I  have  heard,  and  classes  I  have  en, 
joyed,  under  dear  Mr.  Higgins.  May  the 
Lord  render  unto  him  double  for  all  his  labours 
of  love.  Since  it  is  thy  prerogative,  holy 
Father,— 

"  Every  arm  of  fiosh  to  remove, 
Stay,  O  stay  me  on  thy  only  love,''1 

April  17. — Though  the  morning  was  dark, 
and  lowering  I  ventured  to  enter  the  courts  of 
Zion,  and  was  favoured  to  hear  a  most  able 
discourse  from  Mr.  Wilbur  Fisk.  Text,  1  Tim. 
iv,  10,  "  For  therefore  we  both  labour  and  suffer 
reproach,"  &c.  I  enjoy  a  sermon  which 
breathes  Divine  influence,  and  directs  me  to 
implore  the  aid   of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Heard 


DIARY  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  i81 

Mr.  White,  with  his  usual  pathos,  from  "  Be 
ye  reconciled  to  God."  O  could  the  influence 
of  the  great  world  be  thrown  into  the  scale  of 
religion  ! — but  alas  !  alas  !  neither  the  terrors 
of  eternal  darkness,  nor  the  charms  of  eternal 
light,  appear  to  rouse  poor  sinners  from  their 
awful  lethargy. 

May  1. — "  With  a  glad  heart  and  free,"  this 
holy  morning  I  repaired  to  the  temple  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts  :  felt  the  moment  I  entered  that 
the  sacred  Shechinah  rested  there.  Mr.  Holdich 
opened  his  embassy  among  us  by  speaking 
from  these  very  appropriate  words, — "We 
preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus,  the 
Lord,"  &c.  I  never  heard  a  Gospel  minister 
more  fitly  described.  My  ceaseless  cry  to 
God  is,  that  all  these  qualifications  may  be 
fully  concentrated  in  our  pastor.  The  em- 
blems of  the  Saviour's  passion  were  adminis- 
tered, and  I  was  enabled  to  adore  him  for  a 
perpetuation  of  his  favours,  and  felt  that  my 
heart  was  fixed,  trusting  in  the  grace  and  love 
which  bought  me.  O  that  I  may  daily  plunge 
me  in  the  fountain  "filled  with  blood."  My 
soul  was  burdened  on  noticing  among  many 
of  our  members  so  much  copying  after  the 
customs  of  the  world.  What  egregious  folly 
to  suffer  such  petty  gewgaws  to  drive  the  life 
of  God  out  of  their  hearts.  On  surveying 
myself  and  others,  I  am  led  to  exclaim,  O  my 
much  injured  Father, — Spirit  of  the  living 
God,  purge  Zion,  and  leave  thyself  a  pure  rem- 
nant. 


182  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

May  8. — With  unexpected  pleasure  heard 
Mr.  Taylor  this  evening  from  Isaiah,  "The 
abundance  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  unto 
thee."  My  heart  was  enlarged  to  ask  for  the 
conversion  of  all  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in 
ships. 

May  10. — This  afternoon  the  mournful  gra- 
tification was  granted  me  of  tracing  my  sad 
footsteps  for  the  first  time  to  the  lovely  yard, 
decked  with  all  the  bright  verdure  of  spring, 
where  she  whom  I  most  loved  now  sleeps. 
But  the  companion  of  my  childhood,  my  sister, 
did  not  greet  me  as  formerly  with  her  cheering 
voice.  Ah  no  !  her  voice  is  hushed  in  death  ; 
but  tears  were  denied  me. 

"  Thou  art  gone ;  the  dread  hour  of  our  parting  rs 
past ; 
Yet  I  felt  while  I  mutely  hung  o'er  thee, 
Such  a  mantle  of  holiness  around  thee  was  cast, 
I  could  not  have  dared  to  deplore  thee." 

May  14. — Heard  a  sermon  from  Haggai  ii, 
6-8.  Had  under  this  discourse  clearer  soul- 
transforming  conceptions  of  thy  adorable  per- 
fections, O  King  of  saints.  Just  and  true  art 
thou  in  all  thy  ways.  I  find  that  in  prayer  I 
make  the  nearest  approaches  to  God,  and  lie 
open  to  the  influences  of  heaven.  Then  it  is 
that  the  Sun  of  righteousness  doth  visit  me 
with  his  directer  rays,  and  imprinteth  his  image 
on  my  soul. 

May  17. — I  was  struck  with  this  remark  of 
Mr.  Wesley,  "  Do  not  speak  of  joys  and  com- 


DIARY    OF    MISS  BUXTIXG*  183 

forts  only  :  this  is  well  pleasing  to  flesh  and 
blood  ;  but  speak  also  of  sorrows,  weaknesses, 
and  temptations :  this  is  pleasing  to  God." 
These  ideas  solaced  me  much  ;  for  of  late  I 
have  been  led  to  converse  freely  with  a  few 
chosen  friends  on  my  particular  difficulties.  I 
have  trembled  because  of  not  possessing  rap- 
tures of  joy  to  the  extent  I  have  in  former  days. 
Still  there  is  not  the  most  distant  desire  har- 
boured by  me  after  any  thing  but  "  fellow- 
ship with  God."  Indeed  there  never  was  a 
period  when  I  took  less  pleasure  in  the  things 
of  time,  or  felt  so  completely  dead  to  all  below. 
I  am  tempted  ;  but  sin,  though  offered  with  a 
gilded  bait,  can  find  no  entrance.  A  mis- 
take through  ignorance,  weak  memory,  hateful 
injections  from  the  enemy,  dulness  of  spirit, 
occasioned  by  the  body,  flutter  of  spirit,  caused 
by  surprise, — none,  or  all  these  things  put  to- 
gether, says  a  holy  divine,  is  a  sufficient  reason 
why  I  should  cast  away  my  confidence.  No  ; 
for  until  my  will  gives  way  I  have  not  sinned. 
God,  my  keeper,  smiles,  and  Satan's  every  dart 
repels. 

May  29. — At  Jenkentown  attended  the 
Sabbath  school.  A  young  gentleman  and  lady 
have  been  awakened  under  our  preachers. 
The  female  has  been  prevented  by  her  father 
from  attending  our  meetings.  Opposition  had 
such  an  effect  on  her,  that  it  drove  her  to  de- 
spair of  the  mercy  of  God,  and  caused  her,  in 
a  fit  of  delirium,  to  jump  into  a  deep  well, 
from  which  she  was  taken  up  for  dead.    How- 


184  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

ever,  she  has  been  revived,  and  I  trust  will  be 
kept  by  the  mercy  of  God  from  another  such 
attempt. 

How  I  long  to  see  the  upbuilding  of  Zion 
here. 

Haddonfield,  N.  J.,  June  4. — Spent  four 
days  in  this  sweet  village  with  my  dear  friend, 
M.  Walker.  Have  found  it  very  profitable  to 
engage  with  her  in  Christian  converse,  and  to 
be  excluded  for  a  week  from  the  charge  of  a 
family.  I  have  endeavoured  to  improve  this 
interval  from  care  in  investigating  my  present 
state :  obtained  an  assurance  that  I  have  no 
other  end,  desire,  or  aim,  than  to  be  wholly 
given  up  to  God.  Though  I  find  it  sometimes 
a  trial  to  be  taken  off  from  active  service,  and 
laid  aside  as  a  foot  out  of  joint  ;  still  I  am  fully 
satisfied  that  God  should  appoint  to  me  a  life 
of  weakness  ;  and  I  cannot  feel  a  wish  with 
respect  to  the  continuance  of  my  life,  should  he 
refer  the  matter  to  me. 

"  Pleasure,  and  wealth,  and  praise  no  more 
Shall  lead  my  captive  soul  astray  ; 
My  fond  pursuits  I  all  give  o'er, 

Thee,  only  thee,  resolved  t'  obey  r  ; 

My  own  ib  all  things  to  resign, 
And  know  no  other  will  but  thine. yy 

Philadelphia,  June  14. — I  know  full  well  that 
length  of  days  is  not  a  gift  for  me.  A  severe 
pain  in  my  breast,  violent  cough,  and  raising 
more  blood,  have  called  me  to  be  decked  for 
the  Bridegroom,  and  reasdy  to  be  gone* 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  185 

June  16. — Heard  Mr.  Parish,  from  Heb.  x, 
39,  "  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back 
to  perdition,  but  of  them  who  believe  to  the 
saving  of  the  soul."  As  he  proceeded  I  was 
led  to  take  a  close  and  impartial  survey  of  my 
state  and  condition  in  a  spiritual  point  of  view. 
Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb  !  While  thus  occupied, 
my  faith  took  a  much  firmer  grasp  on  the  pro- 
mises ;  had  a  luminous  evidence  of  the  power 
of  Jehovah  to  sanctify  wholly  ;  experienced  an 
increase  of  this  grace  in  my  own  soul,  so  that 
I  can  find  no  words  to  express  the  half  I  feel. 
Formerly  my  joys  were  tumultuous  ;  now  they 
are  deep,  and  glide  evenly  on.  "  I  will  rejoice 
in  thy  salvation,  and  in  the  name  of  my  God 
set  up  my  banners." 

Crosswicks,  July  1. — How  often  in  "child- 
hood's  happy  hours"  have  I  roved  over  the  lovely 
grounds  of  Hilton  in  the  society  of  my  dear 
cousins, — 

"When  nature  pleased, — for  life  itself  was  new, 
And  the  heart  promised  what  the  fancy  drew." 

Where  are  those  days  ?  Fled  with  the  friends  of 
my  youth  for  ever.  The  golden  rays  of  a  set- 
ting sun  have  this  evening  flung  a  softening 
radiance  over  the  fair  landscape.  My  prayer 
is,  that,  like  this  bright  orb, — 

"  At  the  end  of  my  day 
I  may  retire  from  the  world  in  a  beautiful  blaze, 
And  enter  my  rest  in  a  concert  of  praise, 
And  set  in  eternal  repose." 

New. York,  July  8.— The  Most  High  hath 
kindly  upheld   my   feeble   frame   during   this 


1S6  PIAHY    OF   3IISS   BUNTING. 

journey.  The  direct  witness  of  the  Spirit  never 
shone  so  clearly  as  it  has  this  day.  My  soul 
hath  been  carried  away  from  all  sublunary 
things  by  the  bright  visions  of  immortality. 
The  renewal  of  the  signature  of  love  Divine 
which  I  received  on  the  16th  of  June  has  con- 
firmed me  more  steadfastly  in  the  faith. 

July  16. — Had  another  serious  attack  of 
raising  blood.  The  Lord  had  prepared  me  for 
this  stroke  the  day  previous, — when  I  was  struck 
with  this  remark  of  Baxter  : — "  If  you  are 
comforted  now,  you  must  not  expect  comfort 
always  ;  for  God  sees  you  need  hours  of  very 
different  exercises."  It  is  a  solace  to  me  to 
know  that  afflictions  are  God's  arrows ;  but 
they  are  all  pointed  with  love.  I  think  I  feel 
weaned  from  all  hope  of  pleasure  God  sees  fit 
to  blight. 

July  17. — My  heart  inexpressibly  filled  with 
gratitude  to  Israel's  God,  to  find  myself  seated 
this  morning  in  Allen-street  church,  where  the 
Lord  hath  of  late  liberated  hundreds  of  captive 
souls  from  the  iron  yoke  of  Satan.  Prayer 
meetings  are  held  in  this  house  from  nine  in 
the  morning  until  ten  at  night,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  hours  for  preaching.  I  was  struck, 
on  entering  this  hallowed  place,  to  find  the  altar 
filled  with  penitents  ;  while  Mr.  Waugh  en- 
gaged in  prayer  before  he  commenced  his  ser- 
mon, such  heavenly  influence  descended  that  a 
general  burst  of  supplication  was  heard  to  ascend 
from  the  overflowing  congregation.  Light 
from  eternity  burst  into  the  benighted  souls  of 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  197 

the  mourners.  Mr.  Waugh's  text  was,  "  He 
remembered  us  in  our  low  estate  ;  for  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever."  The  Sun  of  righteousness 
shone  on  my  soul  with  full-orbed  splendour. 
No  doubts  obscure  the  "  sunshine  of  my  mind." 
Yes,  I  hope  to  gain  that  world  which  is  con- 
stantly receiving  the  wisest  and  best  who  have 
lived  in  this. 

Hilton,  Aug.  3. — It  is  a  trial  to  be  deprived 
of  the  power  to  sing,  or  to  endure  the  fatigue  of 
prayer  meeting  ;  but  I  feel  the  anchor  of  my 
hope  holding  me  firm,  while  the  billows  are  toss- 
ing me  hither  and  thither,  every  moment  threat- 
ening me  with  shipwreck. 

"  Though  waves  and  storms  go  o'er  my  head, — 
Though  strength  and  health  and  friends  be  gono 

Though  joys  be  vvitlier'd  all,  and  dead, 
Though  every  comfort  be  withdrawn  : 

On  this  my  steadfast  soul  relies, 

Father,  thy  mercy  never  dies." 

Aug.  12. — Had  many  sweet  visits  from  on 
high  of  late.  This  morning,  while  I  mused  on 
these  words  of  the  Psalmist,  "Glorious  things 
are  spoken  of  thee,  O  city  of  God,"  my  soul  was 
filled  with  an  indescribable  joy. 

Aug.  15. — Led  to  search  my  heart  with  im. 
partiality,  while  Mr.  Buckley  discoursed  from 
these  rousing  words  :  "  Nevertheless,  I  have 
somewhat  against  thee,"  &c.  God  forbid  that 
I  should  ever  sink  into  such  a  state  as  to  be  in- 
sensible when  he  is  irrieved. 

For  a  week  past  I  have  had  many  pleasing 
evidences  of  a  union  with  Jesus.     Joy  and  glad- 


188  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

ness  winged  those  favoured  hours,  and  made 
me  feel  that  my  home  is  on  the  other  side  of 
Jordan. 

Aug.  17. — I  feel  that  the  day  is  like  a  bird 
in  hand,  struggling  to  be  gone.  How  shall  I 
improve  it  for  the  glory  of  God  ?  I  have  found 
it  profitable  since  I  came  here  to  wander  among 
the  beauties  of  nature,  and  mark  the  finger  of 
God  in  his  various  works ;  but  1  pity  the  per- 
son who  can  see  more  beauty  in  a  daisy  or  tulip 
than  in  the  lovely  character  of  Jesus  Christ  ; 
who  can  hear  more  harmony  in  the  melody  of 
the  feathered  tribe  than  in  the  glad  tidings  of 
salvation. 

Aug.  24. — Mr.  Ford  preached  from  Heb.  iii, 
1  :  "  Wherefore,  holy  brethren,  partakers  of  the 
heavenly  calling,  consider  the  Apostle  and  High 
Priest  of  our  profession,  Christ  Jesus."  My 
soul  expanded  with  adoration  while  I  endea- 
voured to  contemplate  the  inimitable  perfec- 
tions of  the  Deity  : — 

"What  aro  ten  thousand  worlds  compared  to  thee? 
Heaven's  unnumbered  host, 
Though  multiplied  by  myriads,  and  array'd 
In  all  the  glory  of  sublimcst  thought, 
Is  but  an  atom  in  the  balance  weigh'd 
Against  thy  greatness  ;  is  a  cipher  brought 
Against  infinity.     What  am  I  then  ?  naught ! 
Naught !  but  the  effluence  of  thy  light  Divine, 
Pervading  worlds,  hath  reached  my  bosom  too  ; 
Yes  !  in  my  spirit  cloth  thy  Spirit  shine, 
As  shines  the  sunbeam  in  a  drop  of  dew." 

Pemberton,  Aug.  29. — Passed  a  week  very 
pleasantly  with  my  friend  S.  A.  Budd  ;   enjoyed 


DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  189 

many  hours  of  "hushed  and  holy  thought"  in 
the  chamber  where  my  sainted  friend  Theo- 
docia  has  often  held  converse  with  her  God. 
Many  years  have  elapsed  since  she  has  been 
singing  among  the  angels.  Methinks  I  hear 
her  spirit  cry,  "Frail  child  of  earth !  tried, 
tempted  one  !  shrink  not,  despond  not  ;  strive 
as  I  have  striven  in  the  stern  conflict ;  and  yet 
a  little  while,  and  thou  shalt  be  as  I  am, — thou 
shalt  know  i  how  far  tlie  recompense  transcends 
the  toil.9  "  My  soul  hails  with  emotions  of  rap. 
ture  that  long  looked-for  period  when  I  shall  be 
released  from  this  weakness,  and  be  where  I 
can  praise  God  continually  without  weariness. 
It  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  express  what 
what  I  feel  in  living  on  the  fulness  of  Jesus. 
I  nothing  have,  I  nothing  am, — I  live  out  of 
myself,  and  rest  under  the  covert  of  the  Al- 
mighty, and  hide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Most 

nigh: 

"  To  feel  thy  power,  to  hear  thy  voice, 
To  taste  thy  love,  be  all  my  choice." 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  4. — I  experienced  a  holy, 
awful  nearness  to  the  Father  of  spirits  ;  yet 
my  heart  checked  me  for  not  having  been  more 
watchful.  I  discern  the  strength  of  grace  which 
hath  been  vouchsafed  to  me  during  three  months 
of  severe  bodily  suffering  and  absence  from 
home  ;  and  now  that  I  am  brought  back  again 
with  renewed  vigour,  and  find  my  interesting 
charge  well,  shall  I  not  offer  praise  unto  thee, 
O  Lord  ? 


190  DIARY  OF   MISS   BUNTING* 

11  Weak  is  the  effort  of  my  heart, 
And  cold  my  warmest  thought  ; 
But  when  I  soe  thee  as  thou  art, 
/'//  praise  thee  as  /  ought." 

Sept.  18. — At  six  o'clock  this  morning  my 
devout  friends,  H.  Crispen  and  others,  united 
with  me  in  a  female  prayer  meeting,  to  plead 
with  God  to  be  renewed  in  inward  holiness, 
which  is  the  masterpiece  of  religion.  At  ten 
o'clock  heard  Mr.  Durbin  preach  from  Col.  i, 
12,  13 :  "  Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father,  who 
hath  made  us  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inhe- 
ritance of  the  saints  in  light,"  ckc.  What  joy 
in  the  Holy  Ghost  I  experienced  while  he  ex- 
patiated  on  the  consolations  the  child  of  God 
possesses  in  this  life,  but  more  especially  in  the 
world  to  come.  Thank  God,  death  and  pain 
gain  no  admittance  into  that  bright  region. 

Frankford,  Sept.  24. — Came  here  to  attend 
a  three-day  meeting  ;  rejoiced  to  find  my  dear 
friend,  M.  E.,  still  bending  her  course  to  the 
skies.  Met  with  a  praying  female  band  in  the 
house  of  Mrs.  Hall,  a  holy  woman,  who,  with 
her  two  daughters,' is  not  ashamed  of  the  cross 
of  Christ.  1  was  thankful  for  a  voice  to  unite 
vocally  with  them. 

JcnJccntmcn.  Oct.  19. — As  I  rode  to  this  place 
the  varied  hues  of  autumn  charmed  me  ;  but  the 
undressing  of  nature  always  occasions  a  pensive 
train  of  thought.  O  ye  languishing  fields,  ye 
sighing  winds,  and  falling  leaves,  dying  emblems 
of  the  destiny  of  man  ;  ye  remind  me  of  that 
eventful  period  which  is  so  rapidly  approaching, 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  191 

when  I  too  shall  "  fade  as  a  leaf."  I  believe  I 
have  had  the  direct  beams  of  the  eternal  Sun  of 
righteousness  to  illumine  my  pathway  in  com- 
ing to  this  village,  A  door  of  usefulness  has 
been  opened  to  me  here  among  my  acquaintance. 
I  called  on  the  young  lady  who,  some  time  back, 
jumped  into  the  well,  and  her  mind  is  in  a  most 
interesting  state. 

Oct.  27. — Yesterday  taken  again  with  spit- 
ting blood.  The  doctor  ordered  me  cupped. 
While  enduring  this  severe  operation,  the  Lord 
threw  the  mantle  of  love  around  me,  and  my 
mind  was  led  to  consider  Him  who  meekly  bared 
his  back  to  the  smiters,  and  by  whose  stripes  I 
am  healed  from  all  my  spiritual  maladies.  Wan 
disease  has  marked  me  for  its  victim  ;  but  I  am 
kept  by  the  power  of  God  from  sorrow,  fear, 
and  sin. 

Nov.  1.— -The  mercy  of  mv  God  is  unparal- 
leled :— 

11  Nor  is  the  least  a  cheerful  heart, 
That  tastes  his  gifts  with  joy." 

Last  evening  a  class  commenced  meeting 
under  our  roof — a  privilege  for  which  I  have 
long  prayed.  Mr.  Owen  is  our  lender.  This 
evening  heavenly  influence  filled  the  room. 
Every  member  rose,  and  spoke  intelligihlv. 
For  two  nights  the  Lord  hath  visited  me  most 
graciously.  When  asleep,  my  soul  was  as  the 
chariots  of  Aminadab. 

Nov.  13. — Mr.  Hodgson  preached  from,  "  And 
there  was  a  murmuring  among  the  people"  <fec. 


192  DIARY   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

He  advanced  many  lucid  proofs  of  the  divinity 
of  my  blessed  Lord.  I  want  words  to  express 
half  his  goodness.  I  expect  to  be  delivered 
from  every  foe,  however  gigantic.  Sudden 
death  would  be  to  me  instant  glory.  Have 
sweet  anticipations  of  full  victory,  and  final 
triumph  over  all  my  enemies. 

Nov.  30. — This  day  the  anniversary  of  the 
death  of  my  dearest  sister  calls  for  much  serious- 
ness and  deep  humiliation  before  the  righteous 
God  who  has  smitten  me.  How  impressive  the 
idea  that  I  am  never  to  have  another  interview 
with  her  "  till  the  heavens  be  no  more."  I  am 
on  the  threshold  of  the  spiritual  world,  and  it 
becomes  me  to  be  constantly  stretching  the 
pinions  of  my  soul  beyond  this  present  life. 
This  evening  I  had  a  blessed  earnest  of  that 
better  inheritance, — 

"Whose  bursting  radiance  shall  discloso 

So  pure,  so  bright  a  ray, 
That  hope  shall  joyfully  repose 

Upon  the  breast  of  day, — 
And  faith  shall  cheerfully  proclaim 

Its  exercise  is  o'er  ; 
Triumphant  vision's  strengthen'd  fl  imo 

All  mysteries  shall  explore." 

Dec.  4. — D.  Welsh  has  been  with  me  some 
time.  Met  in  our  female  meeting.  I  rejoice 
greatly  to  know  that  a  few  of  the  friends  of  my 
heart  are  made  clean  through  the  word  my 
Saviour  hath  spoken.  How  profitable  to  be 
able  to  commend  each  other  to  the  Father  of 
spirits.  Mr.  S.  preached  from,  "  O  Lord,  I 
beseech  thee,  show  me  thy  glory."     While  I 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  193 

partook  of  the  sacred  eucharist  the  goodness 
of  redeeming  mercy  so  "  passed  before  me," 
that  all  within  shouted  the  praise  of  Him  who 
bought  me  with  his  blood. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  11. — I  would  begin  this  day 
with  God.  When  in  the  sanctuary  this  morn- 
ing the  truths  of  Divine  revelation  distilled  upon 
my  soul  like  the  dew  on  Hermon.  Mr.  Cook- 
man  preached  to  the  Sunday  school  children 
from,  "  Feed  my  lambs."  O  how  I  longed  to 
be  again  in  this  delightful  field  ;  but  I  am  con- 
soled to  know,  in  my  useless  inactive  state,  that 
"  while  life,  or  thought,  or  being  last,"  I  can 
breathe  out  my  soul  in  prayer  for  the  advance- 
ment of  my  great  Redeemer's  kingdom. 

4  With  fraudless,  even,  humble  mind, 
Thy  will  in  all  things  may  I  see- 
In  love  be  ev'ry  wish  resigned, 

And  hallow'd  my  whole  heart  to  thee.11 

Dec.  25. — I  am  carried  forward  on  the  stream 
of  time,  and  am  making  rapid  haste  into  eter- 
nity— expected  ere  this  to  have  realized  a  glo- 
rious termination  of  all  my  sufferings  in  the 
world  of  bliss.  On  taking  a  circumstantial 
review  of  the  past,  I  would  recite  the  kind 
dealings  of  a  God  of  infinite  compassion  ;  but 
as  I  have  no  thought  or  feeling  that  glows,  it 
would  be  worse  than  useless  to  affect  words  that 
burn.  Awoke  this  morning  at  five  o'clock,  and 
my  mind  was  filled  with  solemn  musings.  I 
was  ready  to  wonder  that  the  King  of  glory 
should  divest  himself  of  heavenly  radiance, 
visit  our  wretched  earth,  and  work  out  the 
13 


194  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

expiation  of  sin  for  an  ungrateful  world.  Mr. 
Holdich  preached  from  John  i,  14 :  "  The 
Word  was  made  flesh."  Previous  to  my  en- 
tering  the  Lord's  courts  I  was  contemplating 
on  the  grandeur  of  his  power,  and  the  immen- 
sity of  his  works  ;  and  was  doubting  if  a  paltry 
worm  would  elicit  the  notice  of  one  so  holy  and 
so  high.  While  Mr.  Holdich  dwelt  on  the  in- 
carnation  of  my  adorable  Saviour,  I  was  allured 
by  his  attractive  loveliness  into  the  comfortable 
persuasion  that  "  he  will  not  live  in  glory  and 
leave  me  behind."  My  heart  leaps  with  joy 
at  the  near  approach  of  my  emancipation  from 
clay.  I  have  many  relationships  above  ;  feel 
a  peculiar,  peaceful,  melancholy  satisfaction  in 
this  consciousness  daily  ;  it  seems  like  a  still 
small  voice  from  the  world  of  spirits,  admonish, 
ing  me  to  be  girding  myself  for  my  journey,  and 
setting  my  face  homeward. 

Philadelphia,  Jan.  1,  1832. — Is  it  possible 
that  another  year  has  taken  its  everlasting 
flight  ?  "  Behold,  Lord,  thou  hast  made  my 
days  as  a  handbreadth,  and  mine  age  is  as  no. 
thing  before  thee."  When  I  remember  that  it 
is  the  beginning  of  another  era  in  time,  I  feel 
that  it  ought  to  be,  in  deed  and  in  truth,  alto- 
gether new  with  me  in  energies,  both  of  body 
and  mind.  How  singular  the  way  in  which 
God  hath  led  me !  how  important  the  point  at 
which  I  now  stand  !  In  my  ideas  of  what  may 
be — of  what  would  be  my  happiness — of  what 
may  be  his  appointment ;  I  am  confined  to  no 
former  range — I  wish  to  be  led  along  by  his 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BtJNTlfcG.  105 

almighty  hand.  I  view  myself,  as  one  observes, 
"  standing  on  the  ridge  which  separates  the  two 
worlds ;  the  future  acts  as  a  much  stronger 
magnet,  and  draws  my  heart  away  from  this." 
How  wary  then  should  be  my  footsteps.  I  still 
possess  a  steadiness  of  determination,  single- 
ness of  purpose,  intenseness  of  desire,  in  the 
pursuit  of  those  Christian  graces  which  alone 
will  prepare  me  for  the  skies.  The  Most  High 
has  long  had,  and  shall  continue  to  have,  the 
sole  possession  of  my  poor  heart.  For  six- 
teen years  I  have  endeavoured  to  give  it  to  him  ; 
and  should  I  withhold  from  him  now  the  wreck 
of  my  being,  and  grow  slack  with  home  in  view  1 
As  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  lengthen  out  my  trials 
here,  O  Lord,  go  with  me  through  the  unknown 
conflicts  of  another  year.  Whether  I  shall  live 
to  see  its  close  is  a  great  uncertainty.  He 
hath  sundered  many  of  the  cords  which  bound 
me  to  earth.  The  sun  shines  the  same,  nature 
rejoices,  and  all  the  great  machinery  of  universal 
providence  moves  on  without  interruption  ;  but 
no  revolution  of  time  can  restore  that  which 
hath  been  smitten  by  the  touch  of  death.  To 
look  back  overwhelms  me  with  recollections 
too  interesting  to  be  resisted — too  agonizing  to 
be  endured ;  but  I  am  enabled  to  look  forward 
into  the  land  of  perfect  blessedness,  and  do 
firmly  believe  that  divided  friends  shall  there 
meet  to  part  no  more.  There  is  a  solemn 
foreboding  of  ills  approaching  me ;  yet  I  am 
resolved  with  cheerfulness  to  leave  all  events 
to  the  wise  disposal  of  my  gracious  God. 


196  DIARY    01'  MISS   BUNTING. 

Jan.  22. — Mr.  Hodgson  preached  from  Rom. 
viii,  2  :  "  For  the  law  of  the  spirit  of  life  in 
Christ  Jesus  hath  made  me  free  from  the  law 
of  sin  and  death."  "  Unless  thy  law  had  been 
my  delight,  I  should  have  perished  in  my  afflic- 
tion ;"  but  through  thy  grace,  thankful  I  take 
the  cup  from  thy  hand,  knowing  it  is  prepared 
and  mingled  by  the  most  skilful  physician.  I 
could  not  put  forth  a  finger  to  direct  God's 
disposal  of  me  ;  and  however  dark  and  trying 
my  future  condition  may  be,  I  feel  it  is  enough 
for  me  to  know  that  Jehovah  is  my  God. 

"  Master,  I  own  thy  lawful  claim, 
Thine,  wholly  thine,  I  long  to  be; 
Thou  seest,  at  last,  I  willing  am, 

Where'er  thou  goest  to  follow  thee  : 
Myself  in  all  things  to  deny, 
Thine,  wholly  thine  to  live  and'  die." 

Jan.  29. — For  a  week  past  have  endured 
great  bodily  pain,  and  am  much  weakened  by 
a  blister.  The  continued  fever  raging  in  my 
system  is  slowly  burning  up  the  springs  of  life. 
Surely  I  stand  in  need  of  a  God  to  help  me. 

0  God,  the  Lord,  the  strength  of  my  salvation, 
thou  hast  covered  my  head  in  the  day  of  battle. 
Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou 
shalt  revive  me, — thou  art  my  shade.  I  have 
quieted  myself  as  a  weaned  child. 

Feb.  11. — Before  I  rose  this  morning  the 
curtain  of  mortality  seemed  drawn  aside,  and 

1  got  a  view  of  my  glorious  inheritance.  How 
joyfully  could  I  have  bid  adieu  to  all  below. 
I  had  to  come  down  again  to  earth,  and  pass  a 


DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  197 

day  of  severe  suffering.  Thank  God  the  fa- 
vour of  Heaven  continued  on  my  spirit.  For 
some  nights  I  have  had  sweet  intercourse  in 
sleep  with  my  departed  sister. 

Feb.  12. — I  never  before  experienced  such 
a  firm  reliance  on  the  Divine  promises  ;  all  of 
which  are  yea  and  amen  to  the  glory  of  God. 
Yes,  he  hath  pledged  himself  to  defend  me  against 
all  the  assaults  of  my  enemies.  What  i3  im- 
possible to  me,  is  possible  to  him.  I  need  much 
grace  to  enable  me  at  this  time  to  beware  of  idle, 
curious  visiters.  "  In  a  multitude  of  words  there 
wanteth  not  sin."  Keep  thou,  O  Lord,  the  door 
of  my  lips,  and  assist  me  to — 

"  Hang  on  thy  arm  alone, 

With  self-distrusting  care  ; 

And  deeply  in  the  spirit  groan 

The  never  ceasing  prayer." 


This  is  the  last  entry  I  find  in  the  diary  of 
Miss  Bunting,  and  is  dated  Feb.  12,  1832. 
From  this  time  her  health  declined  apace,  and 
a  few  days  over  three  months  brought  the  end 
of  her  labours  and  sufferings  on  earth.  The 
pious  reader  has,  no  doubt,  marked  the  pro- 
gress,  not.  only  of  the  disease  which  terminated 
her  earthly  existence,  but  also  that  of  the  work 
of  Divine  grace  in  her  soul,  as  manifested  in 
her  intercourse  with    those  around  her,  and 


196  DIARY  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

more  especially  in  her  diary,  where  she  re* 
cords  the  state  of  her  mind,  the  workings  of 
gracious  affections,  her  temptations,  conflicts, 
and  victories,  with  great  faithfulness.  And 
the  result  of  the  whole  is,  that  long  before  her 
death  she  obtained  the  unspeakable  blessing 
of  entire  sanctification,  and  the  maturity  of 
all  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  Her  humility,  pa- 
tience, resignation,  charity,  and  all  the  Chris- 
tian  graces  and  virtues  seem  to  have  been 
perfected  in  her,  in  the  Gospel  sense  of  that 
word,  for  several  years  before  she  left  our 
world.  With  St.  Paul  she  could  say,  I  have 
fought  a  good  fight ;  I  have  finished  my  course ; 
I  have  kept  the  faith  :  henceforth  there  is  laid 
up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which  the 
Lord,  the  righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day  :  and  not  to  me  only,  but  to  all  them 
also  who  love  his  appearing."  The  closing 
scene  with  her  is  a  full  justification  of  what  is 
here  said  ;  an  account  of  which  will  be  found 
in  the  memoir. 

It  may  be  remarked  here,  also,  that  during 
the  years  of  Miss  Bunting's  Christian  life, 
much  was  thought  by  Christians  in  many  places 
of  the  work  of  entire  sanctification  ;  and  there 
were  many  witnesses  of  it.  The  ministers  of 
the  Gospel,  it  would  seem  from  the  foregoing 
diary,  were  frequent  and  explicit  in  their  dis- 
courses on  that  subject.  Let  this  subject  be 
clearly  and  scripturally  enforced  in  all  our 
churches,  and  it  will  do  more  for  the  cause  of 
God  than  all  the  colleges  in  the  land,  however 


DIARY  OP  MISS  BUNTING.  199 

useful  these  may  be.  But  let  the  influence  of 
these  be  united,  and  let  all  Christians  go  on  to 
perfection,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  soon 
cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  do  the  sea. — 
Amen,  and  amen. 

Editor. 


end    OP  VOL.    I. 


MEMOIR, 

DIARY,  AND  LETTERS, 

OF 

MISS     HANNAH    SYNG    BUNTING, 

OF  PHILADELPHIA, 
WHO  DEPARTED  THIS  LIFE  MAY  25,  1832, 

IN  THE  THIRTY-FIRST  YEAR  OF  HER  AGE. 

compileeT  by  rev.  t.  meRRitt. 


IN    TWO    VOLUMES* 

VOL.   II. 


NEW- YORK  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  T.  MASON  AND  G.  LANE, 

For  the  Sunday  School  Union  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
at  the  Conference  Office,  200  Mulberry-street. 

J.  Collord,  Printer. 
1837. 


LETTERS 

OF 

MISS    HANNAH   SYNG  BUNTING. 


The  Letters  of  Miss  Bunting  are  too  valua- 
ble to  be  given  to  oblivion.  They  breathe  the 
same  ardent  spirit  of  piety  which  is  apparent 
in  her  Diary.  In  the  hope  that  they  will  be  ac- 
ceptable and  useful  to  the  reader,  and  especially 
to  pious  youth,  they  are  sent  into  the  world. 

May  the  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect 
gift  accompany  them  with  his  blessing. 

The  Compiler. 


Extracts  of  letters  to  Mrs.  Rachel  Blanding. 

Philadelphia,  Feb.  20,  1824. 
My  Dear  Cousin, — If  it  were  practicable 
for  me  to  write  whenever  inclination  would  lead 
me  to  do  so,  I  presume  you  would  have  no  rea- 
son to  complain  of  my  remissness.  I  have  very 
frequently  been  with  you  in  spirit,  and  feel  truly 
that  neither  time  nor  distance  can  in  the  least 
lessen  my  affection  for  you. 


4  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Often  do  I  revert  with  pleasure  to  the  many 
happy  days  that  have  gone  by,  which  have  been 
spent  in  your  society.  Your  unwavering  friend- 
ship has  often  cheered  my  drooping  spirits. 
How  often  have  we  "  taken  sweet  counsel  to- 
gether, and  walked  to  the  house  of  God  in  com- 
pany !"  If  it  is  consistent  with  the  Divine  will,  I 
hope  soon  again  to  enjoy  this  privilege.  I  know 
not  how  or  where  to  begin  relating  the  goodness 
of  God  to  me  since  we  parted.  Language 
would  fail  me  in  attempting  to  describe  the 
many  happy  seasons  I  have  enjoyed  both  in 
the  public  and  private  means  of  grace  ;  yet  my 
conscience  too  often  upbraids  me  with  the  mis- 
improvement  of  many  precious  hours.  But  I 
know  I  desire  nothing  so  earnestly  as  to  be 
wholly  lost  in  God,  to  live  so  as  to  be  able 
to  redeem  every  moment  of  my  time,  and  fill 
up  all  the  void  space  in  it  with  meditation  and 
prayer.  Of  late  I  have  felt  an  intense  desire 
to  experience  an  entire  deliverance  from  the 
dominion  of  sin.  I  want  the  constant  witness 
that  all  I  do  is  right.  Nothing  but  present 
enjoyment  shall  satisfy  my  panting  soul.  For 
many  months  my  daily  prayer  was,  that  God 
would  give  me  as  great  a  view  of  the  depravity 
of  my  heart  as  I  could  bear.  Truly,  he  did 
grant  me  my  request ;  but  the  sight  had  nearly 
proved  fatal  to  me.  For  several  days  I  was  in 
great  heaviness ;  but  on  the  first  Sabbath  of 
this  month,  while  commemorating  the  suffer- 
ings of  my  dying  Lord,  I  was  enabled  by  faith 
to  roll  all  my  burden  upon  my  dear  Redeemer ; 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  5 

since  which  he  has  kindly  sustained  me.  Per- 
mit me  here  to  cry  out  with  the  psalmist, — 
"  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all 
his  benefits."  In  a  good  degree  I  do  enjoy 
that  perfect  love  that  casts  out  fear.  Time  was 
when  I  had  a  constant  dread  of  death,  which 
greatly  harassed  and  perplexed  me.  I  now 
feel  confident  that  the  same  kind  Providence 
that  hath  guided  and  supported  me  through  all 
my  past  life,  will  continue  with  me  even  until 
death.  You  will  perhaps  wish  to  know  how 
things  are  coming  on  in  the  city  :  1  am  glad  I 
have  it  in  my  power  to  tell  you  that  there  is  a 
good  work  begun  in  many  hearts.  Our  Wed- 
nesday afternoon  prayer  meeting,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  winter,  was  but  poorly  at- 
tended. Sometimes  there  were  not  more  than 
four  or  five ;  but  on  one  of  those  occasions 
Mrs.  Buckman,  while  engaged  in  prayer,  was 
quite  overpowered  with  the  presence  of  God. 
She  was  unable  to  return  home  until  near  night. 
It  was  indeed  a  solemn  season.  Since  that 
time  the  meeting  has  been  well  attended.  As 
I  know  the  intelligence  will  be  pleasing,  I  must 
tell  you  that  I  never  refuse,  when  called  upon, 
to  bear  my  part  of  the  cross.  Rebecca  Ziglar, 
Sarah  Bell,  Mary  Lowber,  and  myself,  with  a 
few  others,  have  formed  a  meeting  something 
like  a  band,  but  we  do  not  call  it  by  that  name. 
We  find  it  very  profitable. 

Yours  sincerely, 

Hannah. 


6  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

To  the  same. 

Philadelphia,  April  4,  1825. 

My  Dear  Cousin, — I  embrace  this  favour- 
able  conveyance  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  kind  letter.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  you  are 
not  well ;  but  hope  it  will  not  be  any  thing  se- 
rious. My  health  is  something  better,  though 
the  pain  in  my  side  still  continues.  Kitty  has 
left  us,  and  appears  very  happy  in  her  new  situa- 
tion. I  feel  quite  reconciled  to  the  separation, 
as  I  am  perfectly  blessed  in  the  enjoyment  of 
my  God.  His  love  possessing,  I  am  filled,  secure 
whatever  change  may  come.  Your  friends  here 
are  well,  except  cousin  Elizabeth  Bunting,  who 
still  keeps  her  room.  My  prayer  is,  that  her 
afflictions  may  be  sanctified. 

Your  orders  respecting  Benson's  Commenta- 
ries came  too  late ;  they  were  already  bound 
as  you  had  before  directed.  I  applied  to  cou- 
sin Samuel  for  the  money,  and  paid  Mr.  Burch 
four  dollars  for  the  numbers,  and  six  dollars 
eighty-seven  and  a  half  cents  for  binding.  I 
will  thank  you  to  inform  me  how  you  wish 
them  sent,  and  also  how  much  we  are  indebted 
to  you  for  the  articles  you  left  here  that  were 
unpaid  for. 

Mr.  Buckman  has  purchased  a  farm  over 
Schuylkill,  and  removed  his  family.  Mr.  White's 
class  meets  at  Mr.  Peterson's.  I  joined  it  last 
winter  on  account  of  the  meeting  house  being 
so  cold.     I  like  it  much  better  than  my  former 


XETTERS  OP  MISS  BUNTING.  7 

one.  Mrs.  K.  told  us  last  week  in  class,  that 
she  had  experienced  a  great  blessing,  even  the 
sanctifying  influence  of  Divine  grace.  Her 
mind,  she  said,  was  enlightened  by  reading  a 
little  work,  styled  the  "  Christian's  Manual." 
I  send  you  a  copy  of  it  as  a  token  of  my  regard, 
I  have  found  the  perusal  of  it  profitable.  Mr. 
White's  time  among  us  has  nearly  expired. 
His  labours  have  been  much  blessed.  One 
hundred  new  members  have  joined  in  the  last 
two  years.  Before  he  was  stationed  at  the 
•academy  I  did  not  know  an  individual  who  pro- 
fessed  to  enjoy  the  perfect  love  of  God ;  but 
now  many  declare  boldly  their  hearts  are 
cleansed  from  the  indwelling  power  of  sin. 
May  their  number  increase  daily.  Dear  old 
father  Wilmer  has  gone  home  to  possess  his 
eternal  inheritance  in  the  skies,  and  to  meet 
with  ^better  company,  who  wait  for  him  above. 
His  illness  was  short,  but  severe.  Through  all 
his  sufferings  he  maintained  a  solid  peace,  and 
said,  "  Religion  is  true."  He  had  such  views 
of  the  heavenly  world  as  enabled  him  to  say, 
"  I  almost  see  the  spires  of  the  New  Jerusalem." 
To  his  wife  he  said,  "If  this  be  death,  there  is 
no  pain  in  it, — it  is  only  passing  away."  May 
it  not  be  said,  the  path  of  the  just  shineth 
brighter  and  brighter  unto  the  perfect  day  ?  O 
that  our  sun  may  set  in  as  clear  a  sky  as  his 
did.  Upward  of  fifty-six  years  he  was  the 
leader  of  a  class.  I  rejoice  to  say,  my  dear 
cousin,  that  Jesus  still  is  the  blessed  source  of 
all  my  happiness  and  joy :— 


8  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

"  Fully  absolved  through  him  I  am, 
From  fear  and  guilt,  from  sin  and  shame." 

While  I  am  favoured  with  his  presence  all  things 
please  and  delight  me  ;  but  if  he  be  absent,  all 
things  disgust  me.  Let  others  seek  for  happi- 
ness where  they  may,  or  in  what  they  may ; 
nothing  but  a  deeper  acquaintance  with  God 
shall  satisfy  my  soul.  I  long  to  be  perfectly 
free,  and  to  have  my  heart  unreservedly  given 
to  the  Lord.  I  am  day  by  day  pursuing  holi- 
ness, and  hate  every  appearance  to  the  contrary. 
Let  me  have  your  prayers,  my  dear  cousin,  that 
I  may  be  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness. 
When  I  consider  that  heaven  and  eternal  glory 
will,  if  faithful,  shortly  be  our  portion,  my  heart 
swells  with  rapture  and  delight.  Hallelujah. 
Praise  the  Lord. 

Kitty  sends  her  love,  and  says  she  would 
have  availed  herself  of  this  opportunity  had  she 
known  of  it  in  time  to.  answer  your  too  long 
neglected  letter.  My  love  to  Aurelia,  Sally, 
and  Rachel,  not  forgetting  C.  Clark.  Tell 
Sally,  I  fear  she  nas  forgotten  me.  I  hope  soon 
to  find  myself  mistaken  by  receiving  a  letter 
from  her.  Remember  me  affectionately  to  the 
doctor,  and  believe  me  yours  sincerely, 

Hannah. 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 


To  the  same. 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  6, 1826. 

My  Dear  Cousin, — I  must  confess  I  was 
disappointed  in  not  receiving  a  few  lines  from 
you  by  cousin  James,  I  am  conscious  my 
last  did  not  merit  an  answer.  Our  correspond- 
ence is  a  very  unequal  one.  The  benefit  is  all 
on  my  side ;  but  as  you  delight  in  doing  good 
to  your  fellow  pilgrims,  I  am  encouraged  to 
hope  for  a  continuance  of  your  letters. 

When  I  last  wrote  I  informed  you  of  my  in- 
disposition. Through  mercy  I  am  measurably 
restored ;  but  my  afflictions  inform  me  that  I 
live  upon  the  borders  of  eternity.  This  deters 
me  from  expecting  much  pleasure  from  the 
world.  I  feel  that  I  am  journeying  to  that 
place  of  which  the  Lord  hath  said,  "  I  will  give 
it  you."  I  have  to  bless  God  for  a  greater 
nearness  to  him.  For  a  year  rjast  he  has  had 
the  entire  possession  of  my  heart.  I  walk  not 
after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  The  vani- 
ties and  pleasures  of  this  world  I  have  under 
my  feet.  I  am  endeavouring  to  live  but  for 
one  thing,  which  is  to  please  the  Most  Higti  in 
all  I  think,  say,  or  do ;  that  my  life  may  be 
a  scene  of  constant  devotion.  I  am  sensible  of 
wanting  in  a  greater  degree  a  spirit  of  sacri- 
fice. I  am  striving  daily  to  lose  sight  of  self, 
that  Christ  may  be  all  in  all.  It  is  on  his  arm 
that  I  lean  for  constant  support. 


10  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

"  How  can  I  sink  with  such  a  prop, 
Who  bears  the  world  and  all  things  up  V 

I  have  just  returned  from  camp  meeting  ; 
it  was  near  the  ground  where  I  was  last  sum- 
mer.  The  meeting  was  much  larger ;  excel- 
lent order ;  many,  very  many  converted  and 
renewed,  I  am  more  in  favour  of  this  kind  of 
meetings  than  ever.  Our  preacher,  Mr.  Pease, 
is  a  warm  advocate  for  them.  I  was  in  the 
same  tent  with  him  and  his  wife.  Last  Friday 
was  our  lovefeast  at  the  Academy.  Such  a 
time  I  never  saw  in  that  house.  Ten  new 
members  joined.  "  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul, 
and  forget  not  all  his  benefits."  I  feel  as  if  he 
was  about  to  revive  his  work  in  this  city.  O 
that  converts  might  be  multiplied  as  the  drops 
of  the  morning,  until  the  whole  earth  shall  be- 
come vocal  with  the  praises  of  our  Immanuel, 
Perhaps  you  recollect  Martha  Boyl ;  she  has 
left  her  poor  mother,  and  gone  to  enjoy  the 
blissful  realities  of  heaven.  Daniel  Ellis  has 
also  taken  his  flight  to  the  paradise  of  God.  I 
was  much  comforted  by  his  peaceful  death.  I 
feel  assured  that  he  is  now  in  his  heavenly  Fa- 
ther's house,  enjoying  even  more  than  he  an- 
ticipated. O  the  joy  that  is  laid  up  in  glory 
for  the  faithful !  May  the  thoughts  of  heaven, 
and  of  angels, — but  above  all,  of  Jesus,  excite 
you  and  me  to  be  holy  in  all  manner  of  conver- 
sation, and  so  to  pass  the  waves  of  this  trou- 
blesome life,  that  finally  we  may  chant  a  hymn 
of  praise  to  God  and  the  Lamb  for  ever.  We 
are  all  tolerably  well,  except  sister  Kitty,  whose 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  11 

health  has  been  delicate  all  summer.  I  am  in- 
clined to  hope  she  is  now  mending.  She,  with 
Mr.  De  Haven,  unites  with  me  in  a  tender  of 
regard  to  yourself  and  doctor.  I  have  been 
trying  to  persuade  cousin  Elizabeth  Bunting  to 
visit  you  this  winter.  I  think  it  very  important 
for  her  to  travel.  I  tell  her  you  will  perhaps 
return  with  her  in  the  spring.  May  I  not  hope 
to  see  you  if  we  both  live  1  Your  friends  would 
receive  you  with  open  arms.  Time  would  fail 
me  to  say  all  I  wish.  I  have  for  a  year  past 
met  in  band  with  a  few  devoted  females.  This 
has  been  a  blessed  means  of  grace  to  me.  I 
wish  the  bands  were  more  general.  Our  charita- 
ble association  affords  me  employment  for  every 
spare  hour.  Dr.  Harrington  has  subscribed  to 
our  missionary  society,  and  also  gave  me  a 
number  of  books  to  distribute  among  the  poor. 
I  think  him  a  good  man.  Mrs.  Schober  is  well. 
Margaret  Pepper's  health  has  greatly  improved. 
With  the  hope  of  soon  hearing  from  you,  I  re- 
main your  unalterable  friend, 

Hannah. 


To  the  same. 
Philadetyhia,  Jan.  31,  1828. 
My  Dear  Cousin, — I  hope  I  need  not  apolo- 
gize for  my  long  silence.  I  trust  you  know 
my  heart  better  than  to  suppose  it  has  been 
caused  by  any  diminution  of  affection,  or  dis- 
regard to  your  feelings.     I  feel  my  heart  is 


12  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

united  to  you  in  bonds  not  to  be  weakened  by 
time  or  distance ;  and  while  we  keep  near  to 
our  Lord  and  Master,  our  fellowship  will  be  the 
same. 

Time,  my  cousin  R.,  with  broad  pinions,  is 
swiftly  passing  away,  and  rolling  its  millions 
into  the  world  of  spirits,  among  whom  several 
of  my  Christian  friends  have  been  numbered 
through  the  past  year.  Especially  I  deplore 
the  loss  our  Sabbath  school  has  sustained  in 
the  death  of  Miss  E.  Watkinson,  whose  memory 
deserves  to  be  embalmed  by  the  affectionate 
regrets  of  those  who  can  rightly  appreciate 
what  is  due  to  exalted  piety.  Eliza  possessed 
many  charms,  but  none  shone  more  conspicu- 
ously than  her  true  Christian  meekness  and 
humility.  Although  the  last  agonies  of  expir- 
ing nature  were  painful  in  the  extreme,  yet  she 
obtained  entire  victory  over  her  latest  foe,  and 
in  death's  final  agonies  was  heard  to  whisper, 
Hallelujah  !  hallelujah  ! 

"  Early,  bright,  transient,  chaste  as  morning  dew, 
She  sparkled,  was  exhaled,  and  went  to  heaven." 

Have  not  we  too  a  hope,  which  is  an  anchor 
to  our  souls,  that  after  we  have  taken  a  few 
more  turns  in  the  world,  the  hand  of  death  will 
burst  our  prison  house,  and  "  beneath  a  brighter 
sun,  and  in  a  nobler  soil,  transplanted  from  this 
sublunary  bed,  shall  flourish  fair,  and  put  forth 
all  our  bloom  ?" 

Gladly  would  I  recount  the  ten  thousand 
favours  that   have    been    conferred  ujoon  me 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  13 

during  the  last  year  ;  but  I  find  I  cannot,  for 
they  are  endless.  Upon  the  strictest  scrutiny 
of  my  heart  and  life,  I  think  without  dissimu- 
lation I  can  say  that  I  am  still  bending  my 
course  onward  in  the  pathway  of  self-denial ; 
and  amid  the  bustle  and  various  pursuits  of 
life,  I  aim  at  that  love  that  "  ihinkelh  no  evil, 
speaketh  no  evil,  and  never  faileth."  "  What 
sinners  value  I  resign."  It  is  enough  for  me 
to  know  that  my  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am 
his.  I  have  been  very  jealous  over  myself  for 
some  time  past,  lest  the  former  gifts  of  God 
should  be  in  vain,  by  my  stopping  short  of  the 
blessings  Jesus  has  designed  for  me.  This 
impression  drove  me  to  agonize  for  a  renewal 
of  the  signature  of  love  Divine.  Glory  to  my 
covenant-keeping  God,  whose  solemn  vows 
are  upon  me,  I  did  not  plead  in  vain.  The 
Lord  stamped  me  afresh  with  his  Spirit's 
seal,  and  graciously  assured  me  thai  no  sin  has 
dominion  over  me.  An  ineffable  sweetness 
has  since  filled  every  power  of  my  soul.  I 
have  such  discoveries  of  the  all-sufficient  Good, 
as  claim  all  the  affections  of  my  soul.  How 
cheering  is  a  heart-felt  union  with  a  holy  God  ! 
Satan  would  inject  that  my  highest  and  most 
specious  attainments  are  the  effects  of  self-love, 
acting  under  several  guises.  I  know  in  whom 
I  believe.  The  Lord,  my  keeper,  stands  omni- 
potently near,  and  grants  such  views  of  my  own 
entire  helplessness,  as  levels  all  self-compla- 
cency, and  drives  me  to  seek  daily  supplies 
from  the  Lord  my  righteousness.     I  implicitly 


14  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

confide  in  him,  having  no  confidence  in  the 
llesh.  Surely  the  arm  that  has  preserved  me 
for  more  than  ten  years  from  the  evils  that  are 
abroad  in  the  world,  will  continue  to  defend 
and  be  my  guide  even  unto  death.  I  long  to 
have  all  my  senses  locked  up  in  God,  that  I 
may  constantly  enjoy  the  fruition  of  perfect 
love. 

I  must  now  tell  you  that  we  intend  moving 
from  the  city.  Mr.  De  Haven  has  rented  a 
house  in  Frankford.  He  will  ride  into  Bank 
daily,  which  he  thinks  will  improve  his  health. 
We  purpose  changing  our  residence  in  the 
month  of  March.  It  is  with  difficulty  I  can 
bring  my  mind  to  leave  the  invaluable  privi- 
leges that  I  have  so  long  enjoyed.  It  appears 
almost  like  a  banishment  to  me  as  there  is  no 
society  of  Methodists  in  the  village.  I  have 
many  attachments  to  Philadelphia  ;  but  the 
Sunday  school  is  the  strongest.  Long  have  I 
breathed  out  rny  soul  in  desires  for  a  more  en- 
larged sphere  of  activity,  and  that  I  might  be 
the  instrument  of  benefiting  the  souls  and  bo- 
dies of  my  dying  fellow  beings.  But  it  appears 
the  wise  Disposer  of  events  intends  shutting  me 
out  from  the  limited  circle  in  which  I  have  been 
favoured  to  move.  I  want  to  submit  to  the  will 
of  Him  who  cannot  err,  without  murmuring  or 
retraction  of  heart;  and  let  the  way  open  where 
it  may,  be  more  than  ever  active  in  the  best  of 
causes.  I  freely  resign  myself  into  the  hands 
of  my  heavenly  Potter,  to  be  moulded  and 
fashioned  as  he  pleaseth.     We  have  a  gracious 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  15 

season  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord  at  the  Academy.  More  new  members 
are  admitted  than  I  have  ever  known  :  four- 
teen to  sixteen  join  every  few  weeks.  A 
prayer  meeting  is  held  in  our  Sunday  school 
room  on  Saturday  evening,  which  is  so  much 
crowded  that  numbers  cannot  get  in. 

Use  your  interest  for  me  at  the  throne  of 
grace.  And  that  our  Jesus  may  bring  us  safe 
through  this  wilderness,  to  meet  and  part  no 
more,  is  the  earnest  request  of  your  sincerely 
attached  cousin,  H.  S.  Btj>~ti:sg. 


To  the  Same. 

Frankford,  Aug.  22,  1828. 

My  Dear  Cousin, — I  find,  upon  reflection, 
I  have  not  been  as  punctual  in  answering  your 
valuable  letter,  as  it  justly  merited.  The  only 
excuses  I  can  offer,  is  being  often  absent  from 
home,  and  since  we  have  moved,  an  unusual 
weight  of  earthly  care  has  rested  upon  me, 
owing  to  sister  Kitty's  ill  health.  As  it  regards 
our  removal  to  this  place,  though  I  am  very 
sensible  of  the  many  privations  that  result  from 
it,  yet  a  conviction  that  our  coming  here  was 
providential  reconciles  me  to  the  change.  We 
have  a  female  prayer  meeting  that  meets  on 
Monday  evenings  at  our  house.  I  think  you 
would  enjoy  our  little  class.  We  do  not  num. 
ber  more  than  twelve  ;  yet  the  presence  of  the 
Highest    makes   up    every    deficiency.      Our 


16  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

leader  is  a  local  preacher,  who  travelled  under 
Mr.  Wesley  in  England.  He  possesses  all  the 
purity  of  a  father  in  Israel,  and  every  word  he 
utters  is  to  the  point.  I  seem  of  late  to  have 
an  open  intercourse  with  Heaven,  and  great 
liberty  in  pleading  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  pro- 
mises, both  for  myself,  friends,  and  the  Church 
of  Christ ;  especially  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom  in  this  ungodly  place. 
I  pray  that  the  Lord  may  raise  up  some  one 
who  will  be  instrumental  in  rousing  the  sleep- 
ing inhabitants  of  this  village.  I  called  to-day 
on  one  of  our  ministers  in  the  city,  who  en- 
couraged me  to  expect  that  we  shall  have 
preaching  established  here  every  Sabbath. 
You  have  undoubtedly  heard  of  the  interesting 
visit  we  have  had  from  Mr.  Case,  Sunday,  and 
Peter  Jones.  They  favoured  us  at  Frankford 
with  a  meeting,  and  though  the  day  was  stormy, 
they  took  up  a  very  good  collection  ;  and  the 
ladies  here  have  engaged  to  raise  twenty  dol- 
lars yearly  for  the  support  of  an  orphan  child 
among  the  Indians. 

The  Lord  has  been  graciously  at  work  for  a 
year  past  at  the  Academy.  Brother  Charles 
joined  society  last  March,  and  evidences  his 
sincerity  by  an  upright  walk  and  chaste  con- 
versation. I  feel  myself  under  renewed  obli- 
gations to  love  and  praise  God  for  this  manifest 
answer  to  prayer.  I  have  been  blessed  with 
another  opportunity  of  attending  a  camp  meet- 
ing, where  several  of  my  gay  acquaintances 
were    convinced    of  righteousness    and   of  a 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  17 

judgment  to  come  ;  and  after  calling  on  the 
Saviour  some  time  for  mercy,  finally  obtained 
the  consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Many 
believers  wrestled  earnestly  to  be  cleansed  from 
all  sin.  The  preachers  combined  their  forces 
to  urge  upon  the  people  the  necessity  of  holiness. 
I  had  such  a  sense  of  the  severe  purity  of  the 
Deity  as  laid  me  in  the  dust.  A  review  of  my 
very  imperfect  services  confounded  me.  I  saw 
a  field  of  light  which  I  longed  to  walk  in.  While 
I  continued  to  importune,  such  ravishing  con- 
templations of  the  character  of  God  were 
granted  as  I  can  no  way  describe.  What  an 
immensity  of  love  !  My  every  want  shall  be 
supplied  from  his  fulness  who  jiUeth  all.  I  was 
abundantly  satisfied  with  a  deeper  draught  of 
the  water  of  life,  and  put  in  possession  of  a 
heavenly  calm.  I  am  persuaded  no  enemy 
can  rob  me  while  I  continue  to  cleave  to  the 
immaculate  Lamb  of  God. 

I  returned  from  the  meeting  in  a  steamboat. 
The  passage  was  rendered  truly  a  blessing  to 
me  by  the  society  of  a  hundred  Christian 
friends;  and  the  hours  were  delightfully  be- 
guiled by  singing  and  prayer.  My  soul  was 
filled  with  praise,  ardent,  cordial,  and  melted 
into  thankful  tears.  Since  I  came  home,  on 
reflecting  and  examining  my  state,  I  find  I 
have  obtained  a  solitariness  and  departure  from 
all  creatures,  and  a  sweet  flowing  of  soul  into 
God,  the  ocean  of  delights,  that  I  never  before 
experienced.  The  benign  Jesus  never  was  so 
lovely  in  my  eyes 

2 


18  toWTEKS  OF   MISS  BtfN*fIN€*. 

Our  Church  has  sustained  a  loss  in  the  death 
of  Mr.  Anthony  Palmer.  He  died  very  sud- 
denly, and  has  left  a  wife  and  five  children  to 
deplore  their  loss.  Also  Mrs.  Whitehead,  one 
of  our  oldest  members,  has  been  released,  after 
suffering  for  more  than  twenty  years.  I  was 
privileged  to  be  with  her  in  the  trying  hour, 
and  my  faith  was  much  strengthened  to  see 
with  what  hepaenly  composure  a  Christian  can 
meet  the  untried,  untold  agonies  of  dissolving 
nature.  I  expect  you  have  heard,  through  the 
Advocate  and  Journal,  of  the  breach  that  has 
been  made  in  my  circle  of  friends-,  by  the  death 
of  Mary  White.  Yes,  she  has  gone  from  this 
stage  of  fear  fid  trial,  to  mingle  with  the  pure 
spirits  before  the  throne  of  God.  Surely  it 
more  than  ever  becomes  me  to  be  "  all  eye,  all 
ear,  all  expectation  of  the  coming  foe ," 

As  Hester  is  writing,  and  will  no  doubt  in- 
form  you  of  the  health  of  Willett,  and  our 
friends  in  general,  I  shall  only  say  that  we  are 
as  well  as  usual.  I  think  we  have  improved 
since  we  removed,  though  sister  K.  is  still 
very  slender,  and  has  some  alarming  symp- 
toms. She  sends  much  love,  and  says  she  is 
under  great  obligations  for  your  kind  letter. 
She  regrets  that  she  was  not  aware  of  cousin 
James  returning,  that  she  might  have  written. 
Mr.  De  Haven  unites  with  her  and  myself  in 
a  token  of  regard  to  the  doctor.  With  the 
warmest  sentiments  of  love  and  friendship,  I 
remain  yours,  Hannah. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  19 

To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  March  25,  1831. 

My  Dear  Cousin, — Your  thrice  welcome 
letter  was  a  solace  to  my  aching  heart.  The 
Lord,  in  the  infinitude  of  his  wisdom,  has 
thought  fit  to  wound  me  in  the  tenderest  point. 
The  death  of  my  precious  sister  hath  left  a 
chasm  which  stares  fearfully  upon  me.  This 
stroke  brought  me  near  to  Jordan's  flood.  I 
almost  breathed  the  chilling  airs  of  death  ;  yet 
my  soul  was  inconceivably  happy  in  God.  I 
could  and  did  glory  in  tribulations  also ;  and 
you  can  judge  what  I  felt  when  lying  without 
the  privilege  of  speech,  or  the  society  of 
friends  and  hearing  the  hollow  sound  of  the 
hearse  conveying  the  form  I  most  loved  on 
earth  to  be  consigned  to  the  dust  of  death. 
Nature  would  have  sunk  under^uffering  so 
acute,  but  grace  triumphed.  Goer  deigned  to 
be  more  to  me  than  all  he  had  removed.  He 
considered  my  trouble,  and  knew  my  soul  in 
adversity.  I  do  not,  dare  not  suffer  myself  to 
contemplate  the  mere  earthliness  of  this  event ; 
but  view  the  happy  spirit  of  my  sister,  as 
having  all  the  storms  outrode,  found  the  rest 
we  toil  to  find,  landed  in  the  arms  of  God. 
She  has  gone  to  put  on  her  attire,  washed  white 
in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  to  walk  the 
streets  of  the  New  Jerusalem  with  all  the  un- 
numbered throng  who  compass  around  the 
throne  with  vision  blessed.  Hallelujah  i  halle- 
lujah !      We  shall,  if  faithful,  one  day  conquer 


20  LETTERS    OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

too  ;  for  whether  calms  or  storms  await  us, 
Jesus  lives  to  lead  us  through. 

I  rejoice  to  testify,  my  dear  cousin,  that  my 
hope  of  final  salvation  hath  obtained  a  stability 
and  consistency  by  my  recent  trials,  that  have 
more  than  compensated  for  the  loss  ot.friends, 
health,  and  absence  from  the  public  means  of 
grace.  Through  the  communication  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  I  enjoy  an  humble,  resigned  frame 
of  mind,  and  often  have  sweet  intercourse  with 
a  risen,  glorified  Saviour.  I  am  sensible  that 
it  is  but  a  little  while  that  I  shall  occupy  a 
place  among  the  living  ;  and  it  becomes  me 
not  to  suffer  my  affections  to  settle  very  per- 
manently on  the  empty  shadows  of  this  dying 
world.  Thank  God,  the  lustre  of  it  has  long 
since  been  put  out.  Bless  the  Lord  for  the 
expectation  of  soon  exchanging  this  stormy  sea 
of  trouble  for  a  peaceful  haven.  Yet  if  ever  I 
am  so  blessed  as  to  gain  the  port  of  bliss,  it  will 
be  grace  that  brought  me  there. 

It  is  quite  gratifying  to  hear  that  there  is 
some  hope  of  your  family  and  Cousin  James' 
residing  in  the  city.  If  my  life  is  prolonged 
I  calculate  on  spending  some  pleasant,  and  I 
trust  profitable  hours  with  you  on  the  shores  of 
time.  I  am  thankful  your  health  has  so  much 
improved.  I  have  been  regaining  my  strength, 
and  find  walking  and  riding  out  in  pleasant 
weather  very  beneficial.  Mr.  De  Haven  has 
borne  his  loss  with  true  Christian  fortitude. 
This  affliction  has  not  been  lost  on  him,  but 
has  been  the  means  of  bringing  him  much 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING*  21 

nearer  to  God.  When  my  sister  lay  so  long  ill, 
the  Methodist  friends  visited  her  very  often, 
and  she  received  much  profit  from  their  pray- 
ers and  exhortations.  Had  she  been  raised  to 
health  again,  it  was  her  intention  to  join  our 
society.  This  will  in  some  measure  account 
for  the  step  Mr.  De  Haven  has  taken.  He 
attended  our  Church,  and  found  the  means 
calculated  to  farther  him  in  the  Divine  life.  A 
month  since  he  cast  his  lot  among  us  at  the 
Academy.  We  have  had  an  excellent  preacher 
stationed  there  the  two  past  years.  There  is 
nothing  special  doing  ;  but  we  have  had  a  gra- 
dual increase.  The  sweet  children  committed 
to  my  care  are  well,  and  I  feel  very  inadequate 
to  the  charge,  but  look  to  the  Lord  for  the  aid 
of  his  Holy  Spirit.  Our  friends  here  are  blessed 
with  health.  Much  love  to  the  doctor,  and 
Cousin  J.  Murray's  family.  I  trust  we  often 
meet  at  the  sprinkled  throne,  and  there  pour 
out  our  sorrows  into  the  bosom  of  Him  who  in 
all  our  afflictions  is  afflicted.  I  am,  as  ever, 
your  invariable  friend,  Hannah. 


Extracts  of  letters  to  Miss  Hannah  Bunting, 
Philadelphia,  March  19,  1824. 

My  Dear  Cousin, — How  it  gladdens  my 
heart  to  find  you  in  so  pleasant  a  frame  of  mind. 
Do  not  fear  a  delusion ;  for  it  is  our  glorious 
privilege  to  be  happy.     Religion  was  not  de» 


22  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

signed  to  make  us  uncomfortable,  but  rather  to 
smooth  the  rough  and  thorny  path  of  life,  and 
enable  us  to  view,  with  a  holy  indifference,  the 
smiles  and  frowns  of  a  vain  world.  Never  did 
I  enjoy  a  more  constant  and  uninterrupted  com- 
munion with  God  than  since  I  last  wrote  to  you. 
I  sensibly  feel  that  I  am  growing  in  grace,  but 
I  am  not  without  my  conflicts.  Satan  has 
sorely  buffeted  me.  "Bless  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits ;"  for  none 
of  those  things  have  moved  me,  but  rather 
proved  a  stimulus  to  greater  diligence.  I  long 
to  become  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  to  prove  all 
the  power  of  transforming  grace.  May  nothing 
satisfy  you  or  myself  but  that  full  assurance  of 
faith  promised  in  the  Gospel.  May  we  be 
enabled  to  serve  our  gracious  Master  in  all  the 
beauty  of  holiness.  While  I  am  writing,  my 
heart  burns  within  me,  with  intense  desire,  to 
possess  all  the  Lord  is  willing  to  bestow,  or  we 
are  capable  of  enjoying,  while  bound  in  this 
prison  of  clay.  If  the  little  foretaste  we  at  times 
have  is  so  ravishing,  what  will  it  be  when  we 
shall  drink  continually  of  those  streams  which 
make  glad  the  city  of  God  !  To  that  happy 
country  may  we  be  finally  brought.  So  prays 
your  Hannah. 


To  the  same. 

Philadelphia,  July  2,  1824. 
My  Dear  Cousin, — You  can  perhaps  judge 
the  sensations  of  my  heart  on  reading  the  ac- 


LETTERS   01    MISS   BUNTING.  23 

count  cousin  B.  gave  of  the  state  of  your  health. 
It  almost  overwhelmed  me  ;  but,  on  farther 
considerations,  I  thought  your  situation  rather 
enviable  than  otherwise.  My  summons  may 
come  much  sooner  than  yours.  Be  that  as  it 
may,  I  think  we  can  both  say,  "Welcome  death, 
the  end  of  fears  ;  I  am  prepared  to  go."  Put 
this  event,  with  the  others  of  your  life,  into  your 
almighty  Father's  hand,  and  pray  for  resigna- 
tion to  his  Divine  will.  Then  you  may  boldly 
say,  "Now  let  all  my  enemies  exert  their 
utmost  power,  I  will  not  be  afraid."  Afflictions, 
pain,  temptations,  may  await  me  ;  waves  and 
storms  may  go  over  my  head ;  Satan  may  sift 
me  as  wheat ;  the  waters  of  death  may  prove 
bitter  to  my  taste  ;  yet  will  I  not  be  afraid. — 
No,  my  dear  Hannah,  He  that  died  for  you  will 
take  care  of  you,  heal  your  infirmities,  support, 
and  deliver  you  out  of  all  your  troubles.  The 
love,  promise,  and  strength  of  Jehovah,  all 
stand  engaged  for  the  preservation  of  a  poor, 
dependent  believer  in  Jesus.  I  am  not  yet 
weary  of  the  narrow,  happy  way.  The  farther 
I  travel  in  it,  the  more  pleasant  it  becomes. 
Glory  to  God  that  he  ever  inclined  my  heart 
to  walk  in  the  way  of  his  commandments,  for 
they  are  not  grievous,  but  joyous  to  my  soul.  I 
know  my  attainments  are  small,  yet,  bless  the 
Lord,  I  have  enough  to  make  me  happy.  Many 
years  have  I  lived  in  the  constant  assurance  that 
God  is  my  God,  and  Christ  my  Saviour.  This 
has  borne  me  above  the  varied  ills  of  life,  and  it 
will  bear  us  both  to  the  realms  of  bliss.    I  know 


24  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING* 

that  only  our  bodies  are  separated  ;  in  spirit  we 
are  closely  united.  May  we  he  more  frequent 
than  heretofore  at  the  throne  of  grace,  pleading 
for  each  other,  as  well  as  for  our  dear  fellow 
immortals.  What  a  work  is  left  for  us  to  do  ! 
The  pathway  of  duty  always  yields  me  delight. 
My  soul  has  been  greatly  comforted  by  walking 
in  it.  When  I  bear  the  cross,  it  bears  me. 
Cleave  closer  to  your  Saviour's  side,  my  dear 
Hannah  ;  he  is  our  only  refuge.  May  he  lay 
beneath  you  his  everlasting  arms. 

Hannah. 


To  the  same, 
Philadelphia,  August  25,  1824. 

My  Veby  Dear  Cousin, — Can  it  be  possi- 
ble that  I  have  never  answered  your  last  letter,, 
although  it  proved  so  great  a  source  of  com- 
fort to  me  1  If  I  have  not,  it  was  not  inten- 
tional. I  shall  therefore  trust  to  your  good- 
ness for  forgiveness,  believing  our  friendship  is 
too  firm  to  be  interrupted  by  an  apparent  ne- 
glect. My  heart  swelled  with  gratitude  to  find 
that  as  your  body  grew  weaker  your  confidence 
in  God  increased.  This  will  continue ;  yea,, 
under  all  the  pains  and  pressure  of  sickness, 
Jesus  will  sustain  you,  and  when  the  "  weary 
wheels  of  Life  stand  still,,  at  last,"  then  under- 
neath and  around  you  will  be  laid  his  everlast- 
ing arms.  Hail,  happy  day  1  when  these  clay 
tenements  will  burst,  and  our  ransomed  spirits- 


LETTEHS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  25 

go  to  enjoy  that  felicity  wc  have  so  long  been 
contending  for. 

I  have  just  had  such  views  of  the  bliss  that 
awaits  those  that  faithfully  endure  to  the  end, 
as  filled  me  with  wonder,  love,  and  praise. — 
Human  language  is  quite  too  poor  to  paint  what 
I  have  experienced  since  I  last  wrote.  Never, 
no  never  did  I  conceive  it  possible  for  a  mortal 
so  frail  and  weak  in  every  respect  as  I,  to  par- 
take so  largely  of  angels'  food.  Without  hesi- 
tating I  can  say  the  Lord  is  deepening  his  work 
in  my  soul.  I  am  striving  to  "scale  the 
mount  of  holiest  love."  Some  steps  I  am  confi- 
dent I  have  taken,  but  feel  restless  to  arrive  at 
the  summit.  Come  with  me,  my  dear  H.,  and 
venture  your  all  on  Jesus  ;  he  has  "  enough  for 
all,  enough  for  each,  enough  for  evermore." 
His  Spirit  will  abide  with  us  constantly  ;  and 
never  more  leave  his  temples.  1  am  not  with- 
out temptation.  Satan  is  very  busy  with  his 
temptations ;  but  Jesus  hath  given  me  the 
shield  of  faith,  and  I  strive  to  use  it  to  the  best 
advantage.  I  hope  in  time  to  have  more  skill ; 
yet  I  do  not  take  thought  for  the  morrow. — 
Every  moment  I  need  the  merits  of  a  Saviour's 
death.  May  my  future  life  speak  forth  his 
praise,  and  may  I  glorify  him  in  my  body  and 
spirit,  which  are  his,  and  only  his.  Your  sin- 
cerely attached  cousin,  Hannah. 


26  LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING* 

To  the  same. 

April,  1825. 

My  Dear  Hannah, — I  rejoice  to  know  that 
you  have  a  true  friend  who  sticketh  closer  than 
a  brother  :  yes,  and  he  will  in  every  strait  re- 
lieve you,  and  be  your  God  and  guard  through 
all  the  weary  wanderings  of  this  mortal  life. 
Our  little  moment  of  time  will  soon  be  ended. 
Of  how  small  consequence  is  it,  then,  whether 
our  path  through  this  world  be  rough  or  smooth, 
so  the  heaven  of  heavens  be  finally  our  portion. 
I  have  felt  my  mind  awakened  up  for  a  few 
days  past,  by  reading  Mr.  Wesley's  Plain  Ac- 
count  of  Christian  Perfection,  to  see  the  neces- 
sity of  giving  myself  more  fully  to  God.  1 
have  resolved  to  be  more  faithful  in  private  duty. 
I  am  convinced  I  know  nothing  of  the  depths 
of  religion  compared  with  what  thousands  have 
enjoyed.  My  aim  is  to  be  found  in  a  holy  frame 
continually,  that,  whether  at  home  or  abroad — 
whether  I  lie  down  or  rise  up,  "  God  may  be 
in  all  my  thoughts."  My  dear  cousin,  let  us 
emulate  those  who  walk  in  the  higher  paths  of 
Christian  attainment.  We  live  in  a  day  when 
the  Gospel  light  is  diffused  in  its  glorious  efful- 
gence ;  and  yet  our  light  I  fear  is  too  much  like 
that  of  the  moon — pale  and  cold.  Come,  then, 
my  dear  friend,  and  "  let  us  anew  our  journey 
pursue."  No  matter  what  we  meet  with  on 
earth,  for  eternity  is  near. 

Hannah. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.        27 

To  the  same, 
Philadelphia,  April  20,  1826. 
Thanks  to  my  dear  cousin  for  her  last  kind 
letter.  It  was  replete  with  encouragement. — 
I  fear  you  are  inclined  to  judge  too  favourably 
of  me.  My  heart  upbraids  me  in  ten  thousand 
instances  for  remissness  of  duty.  The  word 
of  inspiration  says,  "  It  is  not  of  works,  lest 
any  man  should  boast."  No,  bless  God,  I  glory 
in  the  merits  of  a  crucified  Saviour,  and  feel 
that— 

"  Fully  absolved  through  him  I  am, 
From  guilt  and  fear,  from  sin  and  shame." 

I  live  no  longer,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me ;  and 
the  life  I  live  daily  is  by  faith  in  the  Son  of 
God.  When  I  have  his  presence  all  things 
please  and  interest  me  ;  but  if  he  be  absent  all 
things  disgust  and  weary  me.  I  would  not  be 
found  a  moment  from  his  blessed  side,  for  we 
are  safe  only  while  there.  The  path  of  self- 
denial  becomes  more  pleasant  the  farther  I  pur- 
sue it.  The  more  I  know  of  God,  the  more  I 
desire  to  know.  Is  it  not  a  great  mercy  to  be 
one  of  his  little  ones,  yea,  to  be  the  least  of  all? 
I  have  no  higher  aim  than  to  be  one  of  the 
least  of  Jesus'  witnesses,  to  lie  at  his  feet  con- 
tinually, and  learn  of  him  to  be  meek  and  lowly 
of  heart. 

I  am  pleased  to  find  my  dear  Hannah  can 
sing  the  triumphant  song,  "  O  grave,  where  is 
thy  victory  !  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  !"  I 
feel  like  joining  you.     I  sometimes  have  such 


28  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

views  of  my  heavenly  inheritance  as  make  me 
long  to  be  gone,  and  to  be  at  home. 

Let  it  be  our  business,  my  dear  H.,  to  get 
ready  to  die,  for  our  days  will  soon  be  num- 
bered. I  feel  the  seed  of  mortality  sown  deep 
within,— the  strife  will  soon  be  over,-^-it  can- 
not be  long  before  our  kind  Father  will  release 
you  and  me  from  this  state  of  trial ;  we  shall 
change  a  weak,  sickly  body  for  an  incorruptible 
one.  I  close  with  the  hope  of  soon  meeting 
you  in  person.  May  the  blessing  of  God  at* 
tend  you.     Sincerely  your 

Hannah. 


To  the  same 
Philadelphia,  June,  1826. 
My  Deah  Hannah, — Your  letter  was  a 
cordial  to  my  drooping  spirits.  My  mind  is 
unusually  sad,  owing  to  the  painful  separation 
from  my  dear  cousins ;  but  ere  long  our  freed 
spirits  shall  mingle  in  another  world,  never  more 
to  return  to  these  sickly  shores.  There  we 
shall  behold  the  King  in  his  beauty,  even  him 
whose  name  is  Love.  Do  we  not  delight,  even 
here,  to  meet  him  in  his  ordinances  1  There 
we  shall  be  with  him  always.  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest  for  the  prospect  !  Nothing  so 
delights  my  soul  as  contemplating  the  joys  of 
heaven.  While  I  meditate  on  the  felicities  of 
the  happy  dead,  a  sombre  hue  is  cast  on  all 
sublunary  concerns.  I  find  the  seeds  of  mor- 
tality springing  up  daily,  sufficient  to  remind 


LETTERS  OF   MISS  BUNTING.  29 

me  that  what  I  have  to  do  must  be  done  quickly. 
My  greatest  concern  is,  lest  I  am  not  given  up, 
as  I  ought  to  be,  to  bear  patiently  protracted 
suffering.  Is  it  not  strange,  that  though  the 
way  our  blessed  Jesus  passed  through  to  glory 
was  ignominy,  pain,  and  the  cross,  yet  we  who 
call  ourselves  his  followers  should  desire  an 
easier  path  ? 

I  am  still  climbing  up  the  mount  of  holiness, 
and  feel  a  renewed  determination  not  to  rest 
until  I  come  into  the  happy  possession  of  all 
my  mind  is  capable  of  receiving. 

Dear  II.,  permit  me  to  remind  you  never  to 
lose  sight  of  the  high  attainments  in  grace  you 
are  called  to.  Let  the  language  of  your  heart 
be,- 

"  I  cannot  rest  in  sins  forgiven  ; 
I  want  the  earnest  of  my  heaven." 

God  grant  you  that  unhesitating  faith  which 
receives  the  blessing.     Yours, 

H.  S.  Bunting. 


To  the  same. 

Philadelphia,  Nov.  9,  1826. 
My  Dearest  Hannah, — Your  letter  relieved 
my  mind  of  a  weight  of  anxiety,  and  silenced 
all  my  fears.  Kitty  and  myself  were  quite 
uneasy  on  account  of  the  day  you  left  proving 
so  very  stormy.  Undoubtedly  the  great  Su- 
preme watched  over  you  for  good.  What  a 
skilful  leader — what  a  tender  guide  is  the  God 
of  the  Christian  !     From  the  dust  he  has  raised 


30  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

us  to  become  partakers  of  all  the  high  privileges 
and  immunities  of  his  Church  militant,  and,  if 
faithful,  ere  long  we  shall  chant  a  hymn  of 
praise  and  conquest  in  the  Church  triumphant 
to  Him  whose  advocacy  has  availed  with  the 
Father  in  behalf  of  rebel  worms.  What  returns 
shall  we  make  for  all  his  benefits?  May  we 
.strive  to  live  each  moment  as  he  would  have  us, 
and  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  service  of  our 
Redeemer.  How  much  I  have  wished  you 
could  have  stayed  some  time  longer,  and  heard 
Bishop  George  preach  one  of  his  melting  ser- 
mons. My  heart  dissolved  as  wax  before  the 
flame  ;  it  was  a  weeping  time.  He  was  at  Mr. 
Pease's  Saturday  night  meeting  ;  Mr.  Sheer,  a 
preacher  from  the  Baltimore  charge,  attended 
also  last  week.  He  is  in  every  sense  of  the 
word  a  son  of  thunder,  a  Boanerges  ;  his  visit 
lias  already  been  blessed  to  my  needy  soul,  and 
I  believe  to  hundreds  of  my  brethren  and  sisters. 
I  feel  roused  to  exert  all  the  feeble  energies  I 
possess  in  fighting  the  good  fight  of  faith. — 
1  ruly,  I  have  been  of  late  sifted  by  the  subtle 
tempter,  who  often  fills  me  with  distress  while 
using  the  public  means,  with  a  dread  lest  I 
yield  to  his  insinuations  ;  but,  oa  meeting  my 
naked  heart  in  private,  I  rind  nothing  lost  in  the 
contest  but  the  dross  of  nature.  My  foes  must 
fall  before  me  while  I  can  simply  raise  the 
shield  of faith,  or  wield  the  Spirit's  sword.  God 
grant  me  skill,  courage,  humility,  and  vigilance 
in  the  combat,  that  I  may  put  to  flight  the  ar- 
mies of  the  aliens,  and  laugh  to  scorn  their  cruel 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.        31 

power.  0,  to  be  always  on  the  look  out,  and 
wait  with  calmness  the  succours  and  supplies 
of  God's  grace.  Haunah,  you  are  not  ignorant 
of  my  exposures.  Turn  which  way  I  will  there 
is  danger.  Send  up  your  earnest  cries  to  Hea- 
ven that  I  may  never  fall  from  my  steadfastness. 
Your  spiritual  wants,  dear  girl,  lie  near  my 
heart,  and  if  your  cousin's  scanty  petitions  reach 
the  skies  you  arc  abundantly  supplied.  I  would 
only  say,  on  all  occasions  embrace  the  cross; 
behind  it  are  hid  more  than  can  be  conceived ; 
only  by  bearing  it  joyfully  will  you  come  into 
the  possession  of  rich  treasures,  the  spirit  of 
Christ,  and  power  to  win  souls.  Who  would 
not  do  violence  to  flesh  and  blood  to  be  enabled 
to— 

"  Pluncp  into  the  Godhead's  deepest  sea, 
And  1)3  lo^t  in  his  immensity .'" 
Mary  Ann  will  tell  you  of  the  delightful  feast 
wc  enjoyed  together  at  Ebenezer.  Many  bore 
noble  testimonies.  I  heard  Mr.  Cookman 
preach  an  able  discourse  from,  "  As  he  reasoned 
of  righteousness^  temperance,  and  judgment  to 
come,  Felix  trembled."  The  latter  part  of  the 
sermon  was  beyond  expression  solemn.  It  has 
not  yet  lost  its  effect  on  my  mind,  and  I  trust 
never  will. 

I  found  a  letter  among  some  waste  papers, 
written  by  a  coloured  Methodist  preacher,  who 
accompanied  poor  J.  Bankson  to  Africa.  I 
enclose  it  for  your  perusal  ;  it  interested  my 
feelings.     From  your  ever  affectionate  cousin, 

Hannah, 


32  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

To  the  same. 
Philadelphia,  May,  1827. 
My  Dear  Cousin  Hannah, — I  must  ac- 
knowledge your  very  interesting  letter  of  March 
last  deserved  a  much  more  speedy  answer  ;  but 
a  variety  of  unforeseen  events  combined  to  ren- 
der it  quite  impracticable.  Though  we  were 
separated  for  six  weeks  to  the  distance  of  two 
hundred  miles,  yet  you  were  the  subject  of  my 
daily  thoughts.  I  think  I  fully  entered  into 
your  peculiar  exercises  with  regard  to  being 
among  those  who  are  entire  strangers ;  but  I 
was  not  long  in  Baltimore  before  I  realized  that 
I  was  among  my  Father's  children.  The  sea- 
sons I  there  enjoyed  I  trust  will  be  remembered 
by  me  in  eternity.  All  the  circumstances  X 
wish  to  relate  could  not  be  contained  in  the 
small  compass  of  a  letter.  I  shall  have  to  de- 
fer much  until  we  meet.  The  conference  was 
far  better  than  any  I  ever  before  attended. 
The  greater  part  of  the  time  during  the  day, 
two  houses  were  open  for  public  worship. — 
Light-street,  where  I  attended,  was  often  filled 
to  overflowing.  The  meeting  frequently  com- 
menced in  the  morning,  and  did  not  close  until 
midnight.  There  was  preaching  every  evening 
in  thirteen  of  the  Methodist  churches.  On  the 
Sabbath,  during  the  sitting  of  conference,  there 
were  thirty-nine  sermons  preached  by  our  mi- 
nisters. Truly,  God  has  many  living  members 
among  this  dear  people ;  but,  as  is  too  gene- 
rally the  case,  numbers  have  to  all  appearance 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  33 

the  form,  without  the  power  of  godliness.  I 
was  blessed  with  the  privilege  of  attending  a 
number  of  excellent  classes.  The  testimonies 
I  heard  excited  me  to  redouble  my  diligence. 
The  S.inday  schools  are  much  better  regulated 
than  any  I  have  known  among  us.  I  cannot 
say  that  the  sermons  I  heard  could  be  ealied 
great  preaching  ;  but  this  I  am  bold  to  declare, 
that  the  word  was  dispensed  in  its  purity,  and 
proved  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to 
many  souls.  I  formed  some  acquaintances 
that  were  such  as  I  desire  to  imitate  in  every 
respect. 

Tne  scenes  of  eternity  were  brought  very 
near  to  me  while  visiting  the  sad,  solitary  spot 
where  the  sacred  relics  of  my  dear  cousin  Daniel 
lay.  That  afternoon  will  be  recollected  by  me 
while  memory  holds  her  seat.  The  grave  yard 
being  two  miles  from  town,  we  were  under  the 
necessity  of  riding,  Sophia  being  too  small  to 
walk  such  a  distance.  When  we  reached  the 
gate  we  were  at  a  loss  to  know  how  to  enter. 
This  difficulty  was  soon  removed  by  the  ap. 
proach  of  the  sexton,  an  old  gray-headed  co- 
loured man,  with  a  key.  You  can  scarcely 
imagine  a  more  lovely  picture  than  was  pre- 
sented to  our  view.  Tne  sun  shone  with  un- 
usual brilliancy  on  a  river  which  rolls  majesti- 
cally by  the  mansions  of  the  silent  dead.  The 
contrast  between  the  white  grave  stones  and 
green  grass  was  very  striking.  The  little  hil- 
locks were  ornamented  with  flowers  of  various 
Inuts,  and  many  w<re  almost  covered  with  rose 
% 


34  LETTERS  OF  HISS  BUNTING. 

bushes,  planted,  methought;  by  some  friendly 
hand.  Cousin  Anna  pointed  out  to  me,  with 
silent  grief,  the  three  narrow  houses  where,  in 
less  than  three  years,  an  only  sister,  a  beloved 
husband,  and  an  invaluable  mother  had  been 
deposited  ;  and  then  retired  to  some  distance 
to  give  vent  to  her  full  heart.  The  powers  of 
expression  are  inadequate  to  paint  the  emotions 
that  swelled  my  aching  bosom.  However,  I 
did  not  sorrow  as  those  without  hope.  No  :  I 
felt  assured  that  "  He  who  was  dead,  but  is 
alive  for  evermore,  has  the  keys  of  death  [  nd 
hell,"  and  has  opened  a  way  from  the  tomb, 
where  all  must  see  corruption,  to  a  state  of 
glory. 

It  only  remains  for  us,  my  dear  cousin,  while 
we  remain  in  this  land  of  exile,  to  acquit  our- 
selves as  good  soldiers  of  the  cross  of  Christ, 
in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  genera- 
tion ;  at  all  times  showing,  by  an  upright  walk 
and  chaste  conversation,  that  we  have  learned 
to— 

"  Scorn  the  trifles  of  a  da}', 
For  joys  that  none  can  take  away." 

Sorely,  Hannah,  we  shall  yet  gain  the  well 
fought  day,  as  we  serve  under  a  commander  who 
has  never  fought  but  to  conquer.  God  grant 
that,  as  we  approximate  toward  our  final  home, 
we  may  become  more  willing  to  sutler  for 
Christ's  sake.  Tiie  Gospel  nowhere  promises 
to  exempt  the  children  of  the  Most  High  from 
painful  trials  and  sore  temptations.  Glory  to 
God  for  ever  for  the  assurance  that  is  left  us 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  35 

on  record,  that  Divine  grace  shall  be  sufficient 
tor  all  who  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of 
the  Almighty.     I  feel,  my  dear  cousin,  that  I 
have  need  to  be  ashamed  before  the  Lord  for 
the  small  improvement  I  have  made  of  the  glo- 
rious means  I  have  for  some  time  past  enjoyed. 
Tis  well  for  me  that  our  High  Priest  bears  the 
iniquity  of  my  holy  things.     I  have  no  fruit  of 
the  Spirit  in  the  fulness  I  desire  or  expect.     I 
am  afraid  of  being  too  much  outward.     I  would 
"  the  veil  of  outward  things  pass  through,  and 
<jz»f  in  Christ  to  live."     Yet,  mean  and  abject 
as  "'I  am,  I  find  my  spirit  so  united  with  Jesus 
that  I  am  persuaded  nothing  shall  separate  me 
from  his  love.     I  daily  draw,  from  a  union  with 
him  by  simple  faith,  that  "  sweet  repose  which 
none  but  he  who  feels  it  knows."    But  there  are 
depths  of  the  Divine  nature  I  want  to  fathom. 
Use  your  interest  for  me  at  the  throne  of  grace. 
I  often  feel  a  sweet  union  of  spirit  with  you. 
My  heart  is  gladdened  at  the  thought  that  I  am 
aided  by  your  supplications.     We  are  favoured 
greatly  at  the  Academy  in  having  so  good  a  man 
as  Mr.  F.  for  our  pastor.     Our  beloved  Eliza 
Watkinson  is  more  seriously  ill  than  she  has 
ever  yet  been.     I  know  not  how  it  is,  but  tears 
fill  my  eyes  whenever  I  think  of  losing  her.      I 
never    met    with   one   apparently   so   dead   to 
earthly  joys.     What  a  varied  scene  is  human 
life  !     The  time  seems  very  long   since  I  last 
saw  you.     I  am  indulging  the  hope  that  Lydia 
and  myself  may  meet  you  at  the  Belleville  camp 
meeting  on  the  18th  of  June.     I  have  not  heard 


36       LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

from  her.  My  friends  tell  me  I  look  much  bet. 
ter  for  my  journey*  I  feel  somewhat  recruited, 
bat  I  am  not  ignorant  that  fatal  disease  is 
f listened  upon  my  slender  constitution.  I  know 
the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  the  cold  earth 
will  be  heaped  high  upon  my  eoffin  lid. 

Hannah. 


To  the  same. 

Hilton,  July  22,  1827. 
My  Dkar  Hannah, — What  can  I  say  to 
solace  you  under  the  affliction  you  are  now 
called  to  suffer?  Methinks  I  hear  you  answer 
that  you  are  not  without  the  consolations  of 
Divine  grace,  and  find  that  around  and  under- 
neath you  are  the  everlasting  arms.  It  is  sweet 
to  lie  passive  m  the  hands  of  so  wood  a  Father, 
and  "know  no  mill  but  Ms"  When  the  mea- 
sure of  your  pain  is  filled  your  release  wdl  be 
signed,  and  your  sou?,  which  has  so  long  been 
clogged  by  a  feeble,  sicklv  body,  will  go  to 
"grasp  the  God  you  seek."  There  is  a  glo. 
rious  resting  place  for  the  way-worn  pilgrim  in 
a  land  where  our  "  spirits  ne'er  shall  tire."  Ah! 
how  much  we  have,  dear  H.,  to  make  us  long 
to  be  at  home  !  Added  to  our  own  inward  con- 
flicts is  the  painful  sight  of  the  indifference  and 
apathy  of  those  we  love,  to  their  immortal  in- 
terests.  I  very  much  fear  that  nothing  but  the 
cold  grasp  of  death  iri-l!  awaken  some  af  them 
to  a  sense  of  their  state, — when  it  rany  be  for 
ever  too  late. 


LETTE11S  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  37 

I  do  sincerely  wish,  my  dear  cousin,  that  wc 
knew  more  of  God,  and  the  things  that  he  hath 
prepared  for  them  that  love  him.  Why  is  it 
that  the  things  of  time  "  delight  us  so  V  1  am 
convinced  that  we  do  not  dwell  enough  on  hea- 
ven and  its  glories.  These  should  have  the 
pre-eminence  in  our  meditations.  May  we  no 
longer  remain  so  circumscribed  in  our  acquaint- 
ance with  D  vine  things,  but  rise  to  nobler 
things  than  this  poor  earth  can  afford.  My  heart 
has  been  much  drawn  out  in  prayer  for  you. 
Believe  me  your  ever  affectionate 

Hannah. 

To  the  same. 

January,  1828. 
My  Brloved  H., — Your  letter  should  have 
been  answered  sooner,  but  want  of  time  pre- 
vented. Gladly  would  I  spend  some  time  with 
you,  hut  circumstances  forbid  :  however,  we 
have  much  to  remind  ous  that  the  period  is  not 
far  distant  when  we  shall  he  united  in  b'iss 
eternal,  never  a^ain  to  feel  the  pang  of  parting. 
Yet,  my  dear  H.,  we  can  even  now  repair  to 
the  mercy  seat  in  closest  union  of  spirit.  In 
prayer  we  make  our  nearest  approaches  to  the 
sinner's  Friend,  and  1  e  open  to  the  influences 
of  Heaven.  Tien  it  is  that  the  Sun  of  right- 
eousness dissipates  our  darkness,  and  imprints 
his  lovely  image  on  our  souls.  Glory  to  my 
God  for  the  unusual  liberty  I  have  of  late  ex- 
perienced in  thit  duty.     How  often  do  we  rise 


38  LETTERS  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

early,  and  are  employed  until  late,  in  providing 
for  these  poor  bodies,  which  will  soon  be  cold 
and  inanimate.  In  future  let  our  best  energies 
be  exerted  in  laying  up  treasure  against  the 
time  to  come.  May  we  more  than  ever  learn 
to  trust  in  God.  This  I  am  daily  aiming 
after.  I  want  to  rest  immovably  in  the  will  of 
my  dear  Saviour,  and  look  to  him  alone  to 
satiate  the  capacious  desires  of  my  soul. — 
While  I  remain  an  inhabitant  of  this  ever  vary- 
ing world,  I  calculate  on  being  the  subject  of 
numberless  afflictions,  which  I  would  not  ask 
to  be  released  from,  as  they  have  invariably 
proved  my  best  friends.  I  think  I  feel  a  mea- 
sure of  that  love  which  shall  overcome  by  en- 
during.  I  fully  believe  that  when  it  ceases  to 
be  necessary  I  shall  suffer  no  more. 

Hannah. 


To  the  same. 

Frankford.  Aug.  9,  1828. 

My  Dear  Cousin  Hannah, — I  am  grieved 
that  your  letter  should  remain  so  long  unan- 
swered. Contrary  to  my  expectations,  I  went 
to  Blackwood,  and  I  praise  God  for  it.  I 
wanted  all  my  dear  cousins  to  be  there,  and 
enjoy  the  meeting  with  me.  It  was  held  on  the 
same  spot  where,  for  the  last  time  in  the  woods, 
I  bowed  with  my  friends  Mary  and  Eliza*  to 
worship  and  adore  Him  who  sitteth  between  the 
cherubim. 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  39 

**  Eariy,  bright,  transient,  chaste  as  morning  dew, 
They  sparkled,  were  exhaled,  and  went  to  heaven." 

*'  O  when  will  death,  (now  stingless,)  like  a 
friend,  this  mouldering,  old  partition  wall  throw 
down ;  give  beings,  one  in  nature,  one  abode  f 

While  at  camp  meeting  I  boarded  with  Mrs. 
S.  The  first  afternoon  there  was  an  excellent 
public  prayer  meeting :  in  the  evening  Mr. 
Prettyman  preached  from,  Whosoever  ealleth, 
&c.  Friday,  Mr.  Sovereign  preached  from, 
Strive  to  enter  in,  &c.  In  the  afternoon  I 
took  tea  with  S.  A.  Budd,  and  wre  went  to- 
gether to  prayer  meeting.  I  never  saw  happier 
people.  C.  Lippencott  prayed  until  the  very 
heavens  seemed  to  open  and  dropdown  fatness. 
Mr.  Armour  cried  out,  We  want  to  go  to  hea- 
ven sailing ;  yes,  sailing,  sailing,  my  Lord. 
From  the  commencement  of  the  meeting  I  was 
in  an  agony  of  prayer*  My  head  seemed  wa- 
ters, and  my  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears.  I  beheld 
before  me  a  vast  field  of  religion  which  I  had 
not  yet  explored.  I  felt  I  had  not  the  grace 
that  was  requisite  to  keep  me  in  the  situation 
in  which  I  am  now  placed.  The  view  of  my 
wants  did  not  discourage  me.  No  !  I  was  led 
to  believe  that  God  would  enable  me  to  prove 
to  the  uttermost  the  gift  unspeakable,  and  give 
me  to  increase  with  all  the  increase  of  God. 
Mr.  Walker  preached  in  the  evening.  I  was 
surprised  to  hear  the  dear  old  man.  His  text 
was  Rom.  xv,  13,  Now  the  God  of  hope,  &e. 
Mr.  Cookman  exhorted  ;  said  an  idea  of  his 
venerable  father  had  pleased  him  much,  when 


10  LETTERS    OF  MISS   HUNTING. 

he  described  the  Christian''*)  soul  as  being  of  an 
elastic  nature,  and  with  every  fresh  communi- 
cation of  grace  it  distended  and  enlarged,  even 
through  the  endless  ages  of  eternity.  Satur- 
day Mr.  Scott  preached  from,  If  we  say  we 
have  no  sin,  &c.  H?  is  truly  a  preacher  sent 
of  God.  Mr.  Pittman  exhorted.  The  ser- 
vants of  the  Most  High  seemed  to  combine 
the:r  forces  to  have  judgment  begin  among 
professors  :  pressing  upon  them  the  necessity 
of  being  holy;  and  it  was  not  without  efFect. 
In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Thompson  preached,  and 
in  the  evening  Mr.  Cookman,  from  the  parable 
of  the  prodigal  son.  Sunday,  Mr.  Pittman, 
from  Eph.  i,  13.  Sermon  more  than  two  hours 
long.  In  tiie  afternoon,  Mr.  Force,  "  A  good 
treasure.*'  In  the  evening.  Mr.  Petherbridge. 
Sabbath  eve  there  was  prayer  meeting  in  Mrs. 
Steward's  tent.  A  daughter  of  Hugh  M'Curdy, 
and  another  of  Andrew  M'Casky,  who  have 
long  been  a  weight  upon  my  mind,  beinj* 
teachers  in  our  school,  and  destitute  of  religion, 
were  this  evening  humbled  in  the  dust.  I  was 
by  them  both,  and  pointed  them  to  the  great 
sacrifice,  when  they  got  a  glimpse  of  the  Sa- 
viour's willingness  to  save  them  from  sin,  which 
filled  them  with  joy.  Two  of  their  fellow 
teachers  were  also  put  to  the  heart  in  this 
meeting  ;  one  a  niece  of  Mr.  Palmer's,  who 
came  to  meeting  through  much  opposition,  and 
she  awoke  us  before  day,  praising  God  lor  his 
pardoning  mercy.  Her  companion  had  her 
fears   calmed    on   Monday.     O    Hannah,   this 


1  * 


T.V.TTEHS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  41 

day  I  seemed  full  of  love,  full  of  God.  My 
soul  was  satiated,  though  still  reaching  for 
more. 

I  must  here  say  something  of  a  sermon  I 
heard  the  first  Sunday  in  July  from  Mr.  Ham- 
met,  who  is  the  stationed  preacher  at  Rich- 
mond, Virginia,  and  is  travelling  to  the  north 
for  his  health.  His  text  was,  "  But  of  him  are 
ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto 
us  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and 
redemption."  He  first  called  our  attention  to 
the  ahject  state  of  fallen  man  ;  then,  in  a  sub- 
lime and  clear  manner,  pointed  out  the  wisdom 
of  God  in  creation  and  redemption  ;  proving 
that  the  interposition  of  a  Saviour  can  alone 
appease  the  wrath  of  offended  Heaven.  He 
drew  a  very  nice,  and  I  must  say  to  me  new, 
distinction  hetween  justification  and  regenera- 
tion. But  my  feelings  were  overpowering  when 
he  dwelt  on  the  two  last  points,  sanctification 
and  redemption.  Fathers  and  mothers  in 
Israel,  he  cried,  what  will  make  a  babe  in 
Christ  happy,  will  not  suffice  for  you.  Would 
I  could  pen  the  train  of  ideas  that  flowed  on 
this  part  of  his  subject.  It  was  just  what  I 
needed.  He  then  declared  that  it  was  his 
opinion  the  apostle  here  intended  by  redemp. 
tion  the  resurrection  of  the  body  ;  and  ad. 
vanced  it  as  his  belief,  and  brought  many  pas- 
sages of  Scripture  to  prove,  that  as  soon  as  we 
put  off  this  mortal  body,  we  shall  be  exalted  (not 
as  some  imagine  to  paradise,  or  the  antecham. 
ber  of  heaven,  but  raised)  to  the  highest  courts 


42  LETTERS  OF   MISS   BUNTING. 

above,  wnere  God  dwells.  This  view  of  (he 
subject  delighted  me  ;  and  although  it  was  an 
excessively  warm  afternoon,  my  soul  took  wing, 
and  my  spirit  was  ready  to  burst  its  tenement 
of  clay,  and  longed  to  join  the  Church  above. 

I  wrote  yesterday  to  Lydia.  Received  a 
letter  this  week  from  D.,  dated  May  4.  It  lay 
in  the  post  office  here  some  time.  I  did  not 
think  of  inquiring  for  letters. 

I  calculate  on  seeing  you  in  September,  if 
nothing  occurs  to  prevent. 

Yours,  Hannah. 

Aug.  10. — Just  returned  from  our  little 
class,  and  truly  Jesus  was  there.  I  find  these 
little  meetings  very  profitable,  though  Method- 
ism does  not  gain  ground  here  as  yet.  I  ex- 
pect  that  God  will  open  some  door.  Do  pray 
for  us,  dear  H. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  June  11,  1829. 
My  Dear  Hannah, — I  should  have  em- 
braced  an  earlier  opportunity  of  writing  what 
has  occurred  within  the  last  week,  had  not  a 
multiplicity  of  cares  prevented.  Yes,  amid  all 
our  engagements,  methinks  there  is  an  affec- 
tion subsisting  between  us,  that  is  not  lessened 
by  time  or  distance.  Let  us  console  ourselves 
that  though  absent  in  body,  we  are  present  in 
spirit ;  partakers  of  the  same  grace,  heirs  of 
the  same  portion.  And  what  a  stimulus  is 
here ! 


LKTTERS  OP  MISS  HUNTING.  43 

I  have  just  returned  from  my  class.  Tears 
of  gratitude  bedew  my  cheeks  for  what  my 
soul  enjoyed  while  holding  converse  with  my 
God  and  Christian  friends.  What  should  I  do 
without  religion  to  cheer  me  under  the  compli- 
cated sufferings  of  decaying  nature,  and  the 
numerous  ills  of  life  1  I  am  assured  that  the 
storms  which  roll  over  this  tempestuous  ocean, 
will  more  quickly  blow  us  into  port.  Glory 
to- our  great  Deliverer!  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Jan.,  1830. 

I  have  been  cheered  by  the  company  and 
sympathy  of  our  friend,  Mary  Ann  Walker. 
We  went  together  to  prayer  meeting  at  five 
o'clock  on  Christinas  morning.  I  enjoyed  the 
two  first  prayers,  and  was  just  thinking  it  was 
a  better  meeting  to  me  than  usual  when  I  was 
seized  with  fainting.  Dear  Mary  Ann  accom- 
panied me  to  the  door,  where  I  was  glad  to 
sink  just  in  the  spot  you  once  occupied  in  a 
like  situation.  I  here  lay  insensible  for  some 
time  ;  but  while  gasping  for  breath,  I  felt  that 
I  had  that  faith  which  defies  pain  and  death.  It 
was  a  matter  of  no  consequence  tome  whether 
I  ever  again  breathed  the  vital  air.  But  ah ! 
my  passport  was  not  signed.  I  could  not  yet 
go  home.  I  was  in  a  delightful  frame  through, 
out  the  day.  It  was  with  sensations  indescri. 
bable  that  I  commenced  the  year  1830,     It 


44  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTlNd. 

appeared  a  new  era  in  my  existence,  and  that 
I  was  only  alive  by  miracle.  I  saw  the  Imper- 
fections' winch  marked  my  daily  course  ;  yes, 
and  felt  them  most  keenly  too:  yet  I  resolved 
never  to  unloose  my  hold  on  the  promises.  I 
am  assured  it  is  my  heavenly  Father's  will  that 
a  weak  worm  like  me  should  live  unspotted  in 
so  foul  a  place.  O  that  the  close  ot*  this  year 
may  find  me  arrived  at  a  completion  of  every 
Cnristian  grace.  Amid  the  varied  ills  of  life  I 
cannot  forbear  exclaiming. — 

"O  hud  ofrst.  for  thee  I  sigh, — 

When  wi'l  the  moment  couip, 

When  I  sh  11  1  ry  my  armour  by, 

And  dwell  in  pssaee  at  ho.r. ^  ?" 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

October  23,  1R30. 
Mv  Dear  II., — Though  it  is  late  at  night, 
and  my  body  is  worn  down  with  the  toils  of  a 
day  of  care,  yet  I  will,  as  I  have  told  my  dear 
II.,  sho\y  at  least  a  disposition  to  acknowledge 
J'our  last  favour.  Elizabeth  will  say  more  than 
I  can  write  respecting  my  dear  sister.  I  believe 
the  Lord  hath  marked  her  for  his  own.  My 
fond  heart  hath  said,  *•  Father,  if  it  be  possible 
let  this  cup  pass  from  me."  But  I  have  been 
enabled  to  say  from  my  heart,  "Nevertheless, 
holy  and  righteous  Lord,  not  my  will,  bvt  thine 
he  done."  She  may  live  for  months,  or  even 
years  ;   but  from  present  appearances,  it  is  not 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING*  45 

likely  that  her  frail  bark  will  bear  many  more 
surges.  It  would  be  superfluous  to  beg  your 
intercession  at  the  sprinkled  throne.  1  long  to 
hear  her  testify  that  "Jesus  has  all  her  powers 
possessed,"  and  so  attracted  her  by  his  charms 
as  to  wean  her  from  every  tie  that  would  chain 
her  down  to  earth.  You  and  I,  dear  H.,  have 
been  put  by  a  Father's  hand,  during  the  past 
summer,  into  the  furnace.  It  has  been  said 
that  God  had  but  one  Son  without  sin,  and 
none  without  affliction.  Truly  I  can  say  my 
sickness  was  the  means  of  increasing  my  con- 
fidence in  God.  "  My  hope  was  full,  O  glo- 
rious hope,  of  immortality."  I  believe  I  was 
too  much  elated  with  the  prospect  of  being 
released  from  my  prison  house.  It  appears 
the  Lord  has  much  suffering  in  store  for  me. 
Re  that  as  it  may,  I  trust  I  shall  he  enabled  (o 
stand  in  my  lot  until  the  building  be  finished, 
and  the  topstone  brought  forth  with  shout ing, 
"  Grace,  grace  unto  it !"  Hannah. 


To  the  same. 

Philadelphia,  Feb.  25,  1831. 

My  Dear  Cousin  H., — Your  welcome  let. 
ters  were  thankfully  received  by  me.  The 
weakness  of  the  flesh  impeded  the  impulse  my 
spirit  felt  to  send  you  an  immediate  answer. 
These  disinterested  proofs  of  your  affection  are 
enough  in  themselves  to  convince  me  you  are 
under  Piviae  influence.     Grateful  tears  steal 


46  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

down  my  cheeks  at  the  remembrance  of  the 
instances  innumerable  I  have  experienced  your 
real  friendship.  I  have  thanked  the  Lord  a 
thousand  times  that  ever  he  cast  my  lot  among 
your  family  in  early  life.  My  mind  received  a 
bias  from  mingling  in  your  society  which  I 
esteem  one  of  the  choicest  gifts  of  Heaven. 
All,  all  beneath  the  sun  would  be  dark  and 
desolate,  were  every  dear  friend  of  my  heart 
sundered  from  me  by  the  icy  touch  of  death. 
The  world  cannot  ensnare  me  by  any  of  its 
grosser  allurements ;  but  the  temptations  it 
holds  but  to  me  under  the  forms  of  pure, 
refined,  elevated  enjoyment,  resulting  from 
earthly  connections,  are  ensnaring.  Yet  I 
think,  if  I  am  capable  of  judging  my  state, 
God  has  the  empire  of  my  soul,  and  all  earthly 
attachments  are  subordinate.  I  rejoice  to 
testify  that  my  hope  of  final  salvation  has  ac- 
quired a  consistency  and  stability  by  my  recent 
trials.  Through  the  communications  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  I  possess  an  humble,  resigned 
frame  ;  believing  that  while  I  implicitly  rely  on 
the  Divine  veracity,  it  will  go  well  with  me,  liv- 
ing or  dying.  I  find  it  will  not  do  forme  to  dwell 
too  much  on  the  earthly  circumstances  merely 
of  my  late  severe  bereavement.  No  !  I  have 
by  faith  to  follow  the  flight  of  my  dear  sister's 
spirit,  which  "  bright  angels  have  carried  home, 
away  to  the  New  Jerusalem."  While  she  is 
welcomed  by  the  heavenly  choirs  above,  is  it 
not  right  that  our  voices  below  should  join  the 
consoling  and  enrapturing  strain  ?     Yes,  dear 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  47 

companion,  go,  from  a  suffering  Church  be- 
neath, to  reign  for  ever  with  thy  Lord  !  Yet, 
dear  Hannah,  when  I  view  the  trust  committed 
to  me,  and  consider  my  entire  impotence  to 
perform  my  part,  it  almost  overwhelms  me. 
My  cry  is,  that  the  Lord  will  either  qualify  me 
for  my  duty,  or  take  me  hence. 

I  have  regained  my  strength  of  body  sur- 
prisingly since  L.  left  me.  Have  not  ventured 
(o  go  out  but  once,  and  then  took  a  severe 
cold,  from  the  effects  of  which  I  am  now  suf- 
fering. I  am  very  glad  you  heard  Mr.  Pittman. 
I  am  much  concerned  for  your  Church  at  C, 
and  pray  that  efficient  ministers  may  be  raised 
up  for  your  profit  and  the  sinners  who  sur- 
round that  village. 

It  is  expected  that  several  Cherokee  Indians 
will  be  present  at  the  missionary  anniversary. 
I  have  a  ticket  in  keeping  for  3^011.  I  wish  you 
could  be  present  at  the  meeting  held  here  on 
Tuesday  evening.  My  soul  was  abundantly 
refreshed  at  the  last.  We  had  Edmund  Yard's 
help.  D.  Welsh  is  able  to  sit  up  ; — fears  she 
feels  too  much  from  the  disappointment  of 
returning  to  earth  again.  I  had  a  letter  of 
some  length  from  her,  written  while  supported 
up  in  her  bed.  I  wish  you  had  it.  I  am  sure 
it  would  warm  your  heart,  as  it  did  mine. 
Did  not  the  account  of  Mr.  Peyton  cheer  you? 
I  knew  him,  and  could  prize  his  worth.  I 
dare  not  indulge  myself  to  write  more.  Con- 
tinue still  to  carry  your  needy  cousin  H.  to  the 
throne.  Hannah, 


48  Li  ITERS    OF   MISS  BUNTING. 

To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  June  16,  1631. 

My  DeaK  Cousin  Hannah, — I  was  truly 
glad  to  see  a  letter  once  more  traced  by  your 
hand.  You  nsk  me  to  write  what  my  arrange- 
ments are.     This  I  am  quite  at  a  loss  to  do. 

I  have  filled  a  page  with  my  concerns  :  yet 
to  how  little  import  have  I  written  !  I  don't 
know  that  you  will  have  the  patience  to  peruse 
it,  but  I  love  to  pour  my  most  minute  affairs 
into  your  friendly  bosom.  Ah  !  the  lapse  of 
time  can  never  heal  the  wound  which  has  been 
inflicted  by  the  cold  touch  of  death.  Every 
change  of  season  brings  to  my  remembrance 
recollections  too  interesting  to  be  resisted,  vet 
too  painful  to  be  indulged  in  ;  but  I  do  not 
waste  my  strength  and  consume  my  spirits 
with  hopeless  sorrow.  Blessed  be  God,  I 
feel  the  anchor  of  my  hope  holds  me  strong 
and  steady,  while  the  waves  of  sorrow  are 
tossing  me  hither  and  thither,  every  moment 
threatening  with  shipwreck  this  frail  bark.  I 
think  I  am  weaned  from  all  hope  of  pleasure 
God  sees  fit  to  blight,  and  willing  he  should 
appoint  to  me  a  life  of  weakness.  I  do  not 
feel  a  wish  with  respect  to  the  continuance  of 
my  stay  below.  I  can  say  with  Mr.  Payson. 
"  If  God  should  refer  the  matter  to  me,  1 
should  refer  it  back  again  to  him."  No  doubts 
obscure  the  sunshine  of  my  mind,  yet  languor 
and  disease  often  clog  my  spirits,  and  I  find  it 
fUfitcmlt  at  times  to  rise  above  the  pressure. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.       49 

Still  I  preserve  a  settled  peace,  from  a  con- 
sciousness  that  I  have  no  other  desire  than  to 
please  God. 

The  last  letter  I  received  from  Lydia  afforded 
me  solid  comfort.  It  contains  some  of  sister 
Sutton's  experience.  She  remarked  that  "  the 
Lord  did  not  in  the  time  of  her  weakness  and 
extremity  require  hard  things."  How  con- 
soling !  What  would  hecome  of  me  if  he  did  \ 
Jesus  covers  my  defenceless  head  with  the 
shadow  of  his  wing. 

How  is  my  dear  H.  progressing  ?  O  let  us 
flee  from  the  world,  and  live  alone  for  God.  I 
am  here  in  this  favoured  city,  surrounded  by  a 
living  ministry ;  yet,  alas  *  it  is  not  my  lot  to 
have  strength  sufficient  to  attend  the  courts  of 
Zion,  while  you  have  not  very  often  the  word 
preached.  So,  my  cousin,  as  we  are  shut  out 
from  the  streams,  we  must  endeavour  to  drink 
more  copiously  at  the  fountain. 

Yours,  H.  S.  Bunting. 


To  Miss  Mary  Ann  Walker. 

Philadelphia,  July,  1825. 

My  Dear  Marv  Ann, — You  have  been  the 
subject  of  my  frequent  thoughts  since  we  parted. 
Your  situation  appears  peculiarly  interesting. 
Watching  the  gradual  decline  of  a  dear  bro- 
ther's health  is  no  doubt  a  continual  source  of 
anxiety  to  your  feeling  heart.  I,  my  dear 
sister,  can  enter  into  your  sorrows,  as  I  was 
4 


50  LETTERS    OF  J1ISS   BUNTING. 

called,  some  time  since,  to  pass  through  the 
same  painful  trial.  The  Lord  of  hosts  was 
with  me :  he  undoubtedly  sustains  you  at  this 
melancholy  season.  You  shall  have  a  daily 
interest  in  my  approaches  to  the  mercy  scat. 

Since  my  return  I  have  been  touched  in  a 
tender  point.  Daniel  Ellis,  a  first  cousin, 
dear  to  me  as  a  brother,  has  been  lodged  in 
the  garner  above.  He  resided  in  Baltimoie, 
and  has  left  a  wife  and  child  to  feel  an  irre- 
parable loss.  T nere  were  but  a  few  weeks' 
difference  in  our  ages.  He  joined  the  Me- 
thodist  society  a  short  time  before  I  did.  We 
perfectly  coincided  in  sentiment,  and  from 
childhood  were  much  united.  I  feel  that  in 
death  we  shall  not  be  divided.  To  the  eye  of 
human  reason  it  may  appear  dark,  to  view  him 
swept  away  in  the  bloom  of  youth,  and  in  the 
midst  of  usefulness.  But  shall  not  God  do 
what  he  will  with  his  own  !  Daniel  did  not 
bleep  as  do  some.  His  labours  in  Sabbath 
schools  were  unwearied.  He  frequently  walked 
seven  miles  out  of  the  city  to  a  factory,  to  su- 
perintend a  Sunday  school.  But  his  labours 
are  ended  ; — -he  has  bid  an  eternal  farewell  to 
this  passing  world,  and  is  now  enjoying  the 
delights  of  heaven  ;  seeing  things  that  have 
never  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  and  which 
in  this  life  are  impossible  to  be  conceived. 
I  rejoice  that  I  am  but  a  stranger  in  this  land 
of  guilt,  restless,  and  sighing  for  my  native 
home.  My  dear  sister,  soon  «  our  weary  feet 
shall  enter  the  peaceful  abodes  of  lasting  nedt. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.       51 

The  trials  of  this  short  life  will  soon  be 
o'er." 

I  have  been  considering  the  very  many  pri- 
vileges I  am  blessed  with,  and  fear  my  attain, 
ments  bear  no  proportion  to  them.  I  am  sen- 
sible  I  might  be  more  wholly  given  up  to  God. 
I  long  to  gain  the  whole  image  and  mind  of 
Christ,  and  can  indeed  say  I  feel  no  burden, 
and  can  complain  of  no  want,  but  that  of  entire, 
sanctijicution.  I  know  that  my  Redeemer's 
sufferings  and  victory  are  the  eternal  destruc- 
tion of  the  power  and  indwelling  of  sin  ;  there- 
fore I  cannot  rest  until  I  become  all  glorious 
within.  Do  pray,  my  dear  Mary  Ann,  that  I 
may  at  all  times,  and  under  all  circumstances, 
appear  what  I  profess  to  be,  a  temple  for  the 
indwelling  God.  I  feel  quite  anxious  to  hear 
how  you  are  progressing  in  the  pursuit  after 
holiness.  Assert  your  claim, — maintain  your 
rig.it  ; — lay  hold  of  those  blessings  which  are 
purchased  and  promised  so  fullv  for  you.  Why 
linger  in  the  dark  valley  of  unbelief?  Tarry 
no  longer,  but  come  and  partake  of  the  joys  of 
free  salvation.  Would  that  I  could  encourage 
you.  I  feel  my  own  weakness;  bat  in  Christ  I 
ran  do  valiantly  :  so  can  you,  my  sister.  There 
nil  our  strength  lies; — we  are  only  mighty  in 
his  might. 

I  hope,  my  dear  girl,  you  will  favour  me 
every  opportunity  with  a  letter.  Do  not  be 
formal.  My  breast  is  so  weak,  that  I  cannot 
sit  long  with  my  pen.  This  1  hope  will  be  a 
sufficient   excuse.     I  think  my  last   visit  -to 


-f»2  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Crosswicks  was  a  benefit.  As  to  perfect 
health,  I  do  not  expect  it ;  neither  can  I  say  I 
wish  it  ;  tor  the  will  of  God  is  mine. 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Sept.  16,  1825. 

My  Dear  Mary  Ann, — I  have  just  been 
reading  your  last  kind  letter  to  me,  and  feel  I 
can  by  no  means  do  it  justice.  Our  corres- 
pondence is  a  very  unequal  one  ;  the  benefit  is 
all  on  my  side.  As  you  delight  in  doing  good,  I 
hope  you  will  still  favour  me  with  the  produc- 
tions of  your  pen. 

I  am  distressed  to  find  by  Lydia's  letter,  I 
have  wounded  you.  Believe,  dear  sister,  that  it 
was  not  intended.  I  was  then  peculiarly  situated. 
It  does  not  do  always  to  judge  from  appearances. 
Far  be  it  from  me  to  cause  a  heart  already  big 
with  grief  a  moment's  uneasiness.  No  !  rather 
would  I  use  my  utmost  to  soothe  and  comfort 
you.  Mav  I  not  expect  forgiveness  ?  In  fu- 
ture I  will  be  more  guarded. 

I  feel  I  need  constant  supplies  of  grace  to 
act  my  part.  I  blush  at  my  many  deficiencies, 
and  stand  astonished  at  the  long  suffering  pa- 
tience of  a  good  God.  Instead  of  cutting  me 
off  in  anger,  he  blesses  me  with  increasing 
favour.  Since  camp  meeting  I  have  felt  an 
insatiable  desire  to  be  entirely  taken  up  with 
God,  and  the  things  of  God ;  that  no  melan- 
choly void  may  be  found  in  my  life,  or  a  mo 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.-  53 

ment  hang  unemployed.  I  realize  that  time 
is  short,  and  know  that  I  am  fast  tending  to 
the  silent  grave,  where  no  work  nor  device  is 
found. 

I  ardently  pray  that  my  dear  Mary  Ann's  late 
painful  bereavement  may  conduce  to  forward 
the  great  work  of  entire  sanctification,  which 
I  fully  believe  God  hath  wrought  in  your  trem- 
bling heart.  Venture  along,  and  God  will  yet 
perform  the  work  of  faith  in  power.  Jesus, 
your  Advocate,  is  above  :  you  are  his,  and  he 
is  yours.  Look  to  him,  then,  in  a  simple  and 
familiar  manner,  and  with  great  assurance.  We, 
my  dear  sister,  are  journeying  to  a  land  where 
imperfections,  regrets,  and  privations  shall  be 
known  no  more  for  ever.  Should  not  the  con- 
templation of  those  joys  which  we  believe  are 
in  reserve  for  us  lead  us  to  God,  and  animate 
us  to  make  sure  work  for  eternity  ?  The  waves 
of  affliction  which  may  yet  beat  upon  our  frail 
barks  shall  only  waft  us  nearer  to  the  promised 
haven. 

Your  dear  brother  Samuel  has  already  ob- 
tained the  prize  of  eternal  rest,  which  we  are 
still  toiling  for.  May  we  be  enabled  to  shout 
victory,  victory,  as  we  pass  along  this  valley 
of  tears,  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  There 
are  some  intimations  of  a  gracious  revival  in 
this  highly  favoured  city.  The  ark  of  the 
Lord  has  appeared  to  rest  for  some  time  back. 
Now  I  believe  it  will  move  forward.  The 
fields  are  white  for  the  harvest.  Last  Sabbath 
evening  we  had  a  good  meeting  at  the  Acade* 


5-4  LETTERS  OF  MISS  HUNTING. 

my  :  my  feelings  were  much  excited.  Two  of 
my  Sunday  scholars  went  to  the  altar  to  be 
prayed  for.  One  of  them,  whose  mind  hiss  been 
exercised  for  this  year  past,  obtained  a  clear 
evidence  of  her  acceptance.  I  think  I  may 
calcuiate  on  the  conversion  of  seven  of  them. 
They  are  from  twelve  to  sixteen  years  of  age, 
a  very  important  time  of  hie,  jusi  as  the  cha- 
racter is  forming.  How  neeuiul  is  a  Divine 
Teacher  to  guard  unthinking  youth  from  the 
numberless  dangers  that  surround  them.  My 
heart  is  warm,  and  deeply  interested  in  the  wel- 
fare of  Zion.  1  long  to  see  her  prosper  :  no 
sight  is  so  desirable  to  me.  Write  frequently, 
and  believe  me  yours  sincerely, 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same, 
Philadelphia,  Oct.,  1825. 

Mv  Dear  Sister, — I  received  your  highly 
prized  and  interesting  letter,  every  line  of  which 
evinced  the  Christian  spirit.  1  had  one,  and 
only  one  objection  to  ask  ng  the  favour  of  \  our 
company  to  our  little  bind. — I  feared  taking 
more  than  one  stranger  at  a  time,  as  it  never 
had  been  done  by  any  of  the  members.  You 
cause  me  to  blush  by  saying  you  imputed  it  to 
your  inferiority  in  religion. 

Could  you,  dear  Mary  Ann,  read  my 
poor  heart,  and  discover  its  secret  ft. Ids  and 
windings,  you  would  in  a  moment  discover 
your   mistake.     When  I  take  a  retrospective 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUSTlXG.  55 

view  of  my  life,  and  mark  the  multiplied  errors 
of  judgment,  and  numberless  infirmities,  that 
have  crowded  every  step  of  the  way,  I  am  led 
to  wonder  why  a  righteous  God  lias  not  long 
ago  cut  me  down  as  useless  lumber.  I  fear 
nothing  that  I  have  ever  done  will  stand  good 
in  the  great  day  of  retribution.  But  when  the 
accuser  of  souls  comes  upon  me  like  a  flood,  I 
run  to  my  hiding  place,  even  the  cleft  of  a  dear 
Saviour's  side.  There  I  find  a  shelter  from 
the  violence  of  the  storm,  and  put  all  my  foes 
to  flight  by  toiling  them,  though  I  am  unworthy, 
he  is  altogether  worthy.  Clothed  with  the  robe 
of  his  righteousnei>s, — 

"  Bold  can  I  stand  in  that  groat  day, 
For  who  aught  to  my  charge  shall  lay  ?" 

For  some  time  past  I  have  been  unusually 
pressed  with  the  cares  of  life.  Blessed  be  God, 
I  have  not  been  moved  by  them  :  they  have 
rather  been  the  means  of  drawing  me  more 
closely  to  Him  whom  my  soul  loveth. 

I  was  pleased  with  the  satisfactory  account 
you  gave  me  of  your  dear  brother's  death. 
Surely,  my  dear  sister,  you  have  great  cause  of 
thankfulness  for  the  undoubted  evidence  he  has 
left  that  God,  in  the  wise  dispensations  of  mercy, 
has  taken  him  to  an  early  rest. 

M  Frae  from  doubts,  and  griefs,  and  fears, 
In  the  haven  of  the  skies, 
Can  you  weep  to  see  the  tears 
Wiped  for  ever  from  his  eyes  ?" 

Our  Sabbath  school  continues  to  prosper  be- 
yond my  most  sanguine  expectations.    Two  of 


56  LETTERS  OF  JIISS  BUNTING. 

the  girls  have  joined  the  class  I  meet  in.  You 
would  be  delighted  to  hear  them  declare  so  con- 
fidently what  God  hath  wrought  for  them.  You 
will  hear,  through  my  letter  to  Lydia,  that  I 
have  changed  my  abode.  I  hope  you  intend 
visiting  the  city  soon.  Do  come  while  there 
is  so  favourable  a  prospect  of  a  general  shower 
of  Divine  grace.  Write  me  when  to  expect 
you,  and  persuade  Lydia  to  accompany  you. 
I  remain  your  unalterable  friend, 

Hannah. 


To  (he  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Dec.  29,  1825. 
My  Loved  Friead, — I  must  say  I  was 
somewhat  disappointed  in  not  receiving  a  line 
from  you  by  the  bearer  of  Lydia's.  True,  I 
am  indebted,  I  believe  ;  but  I  hoped  you  would 
not  stand  on  formality.  I  have  missed  your 
society  very  much.  Since  you  left  us  we  have 
had  many  excellent  meetings.  You  will  re- 
joice with  me  to  hear  that  dear  M.  W.  has 
obtained  peace  of  mind:  her  very  countenance 
is  changed.  Last  Sabbath  she  was  baptized. 
Mr.  Pease  returned  the  week  after  you  left  the 
city  ;  he  found  his  brother  alive,  but  extremely 
low.  After  remaining  with  him  a  week,  he 
was  under  the  necessity  of  returning  to  his 
charge.  He  has  not  a  gleam  of  hope  for  his 
brother's  recovery  ;  you  may  know  the  parting 
was  no  small  trial.  Ah  !  my  dear  Mary  Ann, 
our  path  is  a  checkered  one, — none  are  exempt 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  57 

from  suffering.  How  joyfully  could  I  quit  this 
scene  of  sin  and  labour,  and  be  well  pleased  to 
lay  this  feeble  body  in  the  bed  of  the  grave, 
in  full  and  certain  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrec- 
tion. This  reflection  often  exhilarates  my 
fainting  spirits. 

I  hope,  my  dear  sister,  you  have  found  ere 
this  the  blessing  of  perfect,  uninterrupted  peace. 
Remember,  it  is  only  to  be  retained  by  a  faithful 
discharge  of  every  duty.  Nature  may  shrink  ; 
but  be  steadfast,  be  bold,  and  soon  you  will  sing 
the  conqueror's  song. 

R.  W.  last  week  was  quite  overpowered  with 
the  love  of  God.  Her  brother  B.  had  gone  to 
a  ball.  When  she  retired  to  rest,  her  heart 
was  much  drawn  out  in  prayer  for  him.  Two 
hours  after  some  of  the  family  came  into  her 
chamber,  and  found  her  shouting  the  high 
praises  of  God.  It  was  a  language  they  did 
not  understand ;  they  thought  her  dying,  and 
sent  immediately  for  her  brother.  He  was  by 
her  in  a  few  minutes,  and  ran  for  a  physician ; 
who  came,  and  pronounced  it  a  fit  of  the  hys- 
terics. But  dear  Eliza  could  rejoice  with  her. 
O,  my  dear  sister,  how  precious  are  the  com- 
forts of  the  Holy  Ghost !  May  we  ever  be  alive 
to  his  sacred  teachings.  Grace  can  do  every 
thing  for  us,  but  nature  nothing.  Let  us  press 
onward  :  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  goes  be- 
fore, and  levels  every  difficulty.  J.  has  called 
for  the  letter — so  I  must  close  abruptly. 

Yours,  Hannah. 


68  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

To  the  Same, 
Philadelphia,  Jan.  25,  1826. 

My  Dear  Sister, — As  usual,  your  letter 
brought  with  it  a  blessing  to  my  needy  soul. 
My  heart  often  glows  with  gratitude  to  the 
great  Giver  of  all  my  unmerited  blessings,  for 
the  privilege  of  Christian  friends  and  corres- 
pondents. I  certainly  feel  myself  flattered  bv 
your  early  remembrance  of  me,  notwithstand- 
ing the  numerous  claims  upon  your  attention. 
I  will  here  (stop,  and  lift  my  heart  to  Heaven 
fur  power  to  clothe  my  ideas  in  a  manner  that 
will  mutually  profit  us.  Tnere  is,  I  am  aware, 
danger  in  being  superfluous  in  communicating  : 
Hot  only  with  the  tongue,  but  the  pen  may  be 
uselessly  employed. 

No  doubt  the  heart  of  my  Mary  Ann  bleeds  to 

find  her  lamented so  soon  forgotten.     We 

swiftly  pjss  the  shadowy  scenes  of  life  away. 
We  come  up  as  flowers,  arid  flee  away  as  sha. 
dows.  O  lr  dear  friend  trod  truly  in  the  nar- 
rowest path  in  the  narrow  way.  May  we  strive 
to  walk  in  the  same  track.  How  few  Christians 
ciaim  their  own.  Let  it  not  be  said  of  us  we 
walked  unworthv  of  our  high  and  holy  calling. 
ls.it  may  we  imitate  those  who  gained  the  sum- 
mit  of  the  mount  of  holiness,  and  are  now  par- 
takers of  its  rich  rewards.  You  have,  my  dear 
sister  Mary,  put  some  close  and  weighty  ques- 
tions to  me.  With  trembling  I  shall  strive  to 
answer  them.  Without  hesitancy  I  can  say  I 
have  no  tormenting  fear ;  though  at  times  my 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  59 

timid  nature  would  fain  shrink  from  the  public 
cross.  If  I  yield  in  the  least,  I  suffer  loss.  I 
possess  Jin  evidence  clear  us  the  situ,  that  my 
one  aim  is  to  ple;>se  God  in  all  things,  small 
and  great,  I  would  sooner  die  than  ojfend  him. 
I  am  not  ignorant  of  my  numerous  mistakes 
and  errors  in  judgment ;  but  I  daily  cast  my 
infirmities  into  the  abyss  of  God's  mercy,  and 
fee!  assured  that  he  forgives  mo  tor  Josns' 
sake.  In  this  way  I  preserve  an  inviolable 
peace,  with  a  conscience  void  of  offence.  Ec- 
stacy  of  j  iy  I  seldom  have;  but  in  all  things 
my  heart  d.ssolves  in  thankfulness.  As  it  re- 
gards temptations.  I  confess  I  am  sometimes 
at  a  loss ;  but,  by  earnest  prayer,  the  light 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  emanates  from  above  on 
my  pith,  suid  I  endeavour  to  act  accordingly. 
My  mind  is  never  dark,  yet  often  I  am  in  hea- 
viness with  the  pressure  of  my  own  wants,  the 
Church,  and  the  wretched  state  of  a  guilty 
world.  In  prayer,  the  concerns  of  life  intrude 
at  times,  but  I  seldom  rise  until  mv  mind  is 
fixed,  and  my  whole  soul  engaged  and  absorbed 
in  hol'r  aspirations  to  almighty  God. 

I  fear  I  have  not  fully  satisfied  you,  mv  dear 
girl  ;  but  pardon  me,  and  look  over  my  imper- 
fections. I  feel  it  my  dity  to  encmi-a^e  you 
to  believe  the  calm  you  now  possess  is  perfect 
love.  Do  hot  raise  the  standard  too  high  ;  put 
it  not  out  of  reach.  You  cannot  too  much 
lament  your  past  remissness  ;  but  there  is  dan- 
ger in  depending  0:1  your  lamentations.  The 
time  past  is  for  ever  gone.     It  only  remains 


GO  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

with  you  to  receive  a  complete  Saviour ;  and 
tor  the  time  to  come  live  a  life  hid  with  Christ 
in  God.  Hannah. 

[In  the  interval  between  the  last  date  and 
the  following  letter,  I  resided  chief  of  the  time 
in  Philadelphia,  and  was  privileged  with  being 
frequently  in  the  company  of  my  beloved  Han- 
nah, both  day  and  night.  I  sometimes  went 
with  her  in  her  visits  of  love  and  mercy  to  the 
sick  and  poor,  and  was  witness  to  the  solici- 
tude and  affection  she  manifested  for  them  : 
her  care  for  them  was  unremitting.  At  one 
time  I  recollect,  after  assisting  her  in  making 
some  cloaks  for  some  Sunday  scholars  belong- 
ing to  the  school  of  which  she  was  teacher,  we 
did  not  finish  them  until  nine  o'clock  ;  and 
though  it  was  dark  and  rainy,  she  would  take 
them  home  that  night.  We  did  take  them,  and 
she  had  the  satisfaction  on  the  next  day,  which 
was  Sabbath,  of  seeing  the  children  at  school, 
with  their  cloaks  on.  This  is  only  one  instance 
out  of  many  wherein  she  regarded  not  her  own 
ease,  if  she  could  do  good,  even  to  a  child. 
Many,  very  many  no  doubt,  will  rise  up  in  that 
day,  and  call  her  blessed.  The  good  she  has 
done  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  all  she  had  in- 
tercourse with,  will  never  fully  be  known  until 
eternity  shall  unfold  it  to  view.  To  me  she 
was  a  true  Christian  friend  in  the  fullest  sense 
of  the  word  ;  constantly  inciting  me,  both  by 
precept  and  example,  to  diligence  in  every 
good  work.  M.  A,  Walker.] 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  61 

To  the  Same. 

Crosswicks,  July  29,  1827. 

My  Dear  Friend  Mary  Ann, — Although 
I  feel  very  unfit  for  writing,  yet  as  a  convey- 
ance offers,  I  cannot  forbear  assuring  you  that 
you  still  live  in  my  affectionate  remembrance. 
Though  I  have  not  written,  my  heart  has  been 
daily  with  you.  I  returned  yesterday  from 
Hopewell  camp  meeting,  and  have  not  yet 
recovered  from  my  fatigue.  This  I  hope  will 
be  a  sufficient  apology  for  the  unconnected 
manner  of  my  letter. 

While  I  united  in  the  shady  groves  of  Belle, 
ville  and  Hopewell  to  worship,  with  adoring 
multitudes,  Him  who  dwelleth  between  the 
cherubim,  an  ineffable  sweetness  filled  every 
power  of  my  soul.  Never  did  the  foot  of  time 
fall  so  noiselessly.  Surely  the  Lord,  my  keeper, 
stood  omnipotently  near.  My  life  and  health 
were  precious  in  his  sight.  Although  consider- 
ably exposed,  I  did  not  take  the  least  cold. 

I  could  say  much  of  the  profitable  sermons 
I  heard  delivered  by  the  heralds  of  free  grace. 
As  Lydia  has  written,  and  I  expect  given,  you 
a  minute  account  of  our  meeting  at  Bt'llevillo, 
I  will  mention  something  of  the  latter. 

There  was  but  one  circle  of  tents,  and  that 
was  small ;  yet  souls  were  convicted  and  con- 
verted. One  young  girl  from  Trenton  was  set 
at  perfect  liberty.  The  preachers  dwelt  too 
much  on  doctrinal  points  to  be  profitable. 

I  do  feel  that  my  treasure  is  growing   in 


62  LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTINQ. 

heaven.  My  "  soul  feels  ever  bright  as  noon, 
and  calm  as  summer  evenings  are."  I  am 
waiting  and  expecting  that  God  will  fully  ac- 
complish for  ine  all  that  he  has  promised. 
W  hen  I  look  at  what  is  before  me,  even  in  this 
life,  to  possess,  I  see  I  am  but  a  babe  in 
Christ.  Pray,  my  dear  friend,  that  I  may  ne- 
ver be  found  dozing  at  my  post,  or  wasting  the 
golden  moments  that  (Jod  has  graciously  allot- 
ted trie  to  gain  the  Divine  image,  and  win  souls 
to  Jesus.  I  know  that  nature  is  fast  sinking, 
and  I  must  shortly  bury  every  worldly  interest 
in  the  grave.  When  an  eternity  of  growing 
bliss  is  unfolded  to  my  imagination,  I  am  quite 
lost  and  enraptured  in  the  contemplation.— 
There  I  hope  to  dwell  with  my  dear  Mary 
Ann.  If  ray  imperfect  petitions  are  heard  in 
heaven,  you  are  lacking  no  good  thing. 

Thursday  evening  is  held  very  sacred  by 
me,  I  have  felt  unusual  liberty  on  that  oc- 
casion. Do  be  very  importunate  in  your 
addresses  for  me. 

I  shall  return  home  this  week.  Do  write  me 
a  long  letter.  My  love  to  your  dear  parents 
and  sisters.  I  trust  they  will  have  their  health, 
Tell  me  if  yours  is  improved,  and  whether  you 
are  engaged  in  the  Sabbath  school.  I  have 
felt  the  loss  of  your  society  since  I  have  been 
here.  Believe  mc  your  invariable  friend  and 
sister,  Hannah. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  63 

To  the  same. 

FranJeford,  Aug.  19,  1828. 

My  Dear  Friend  Mary  Ann  gave  me 
another  proof  of  her  tenderness  by  not  upbraid- 
ing me  with  neglect.  The  Lord,  who  inclined 
your  heart  to  write,  will  reward  your  labour  of 
love. 

Truly  God  is  good  to  Israel,  even  unto  me, 
Our  passage  home  in  the  steamboat  was  ren- 
dered peculiarly  pleasant  and  profitable  by 
singing  and  prayer.  My  soul  was  lost  in  love 
and  praise,  and  melted  into  thankful  tears.  I 
felt  a  solitariness  and  departure  from  all  crea- 
tures, and  a  sweet  flowing  into  God.  Jesus 
never  was  more  lovely  in  my  eyes.  Since  my 
return  1  have  been  favoured  with  time  for  re- 
flection and  examination,  and  I  do  find  my  soul 
is  much  invigorated  and  built  up  by  the  precious 
means  we  have  so  lately  enjoyed  together.  I 
seem  to  have  an  open  intercourse  with  Heaven, 
and  great  liberty  in  pleading  for  the  fulfilment 
of  the  promise  for  myself,  my  friends,  and 
the  Church  of  Christ,  Especially  I  desire  the 
prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  this 
dark  village.  O,  I  agonize  that  God  may  raise 
up  some  one  who  will  be  instrumental  in  rous- 
ing the  sleeping  inhabitants.  I  think  you  would 
be  delighted  to  meet  in  our  little  class.*  We 
do  not  number  more  than  twelve,  yet  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Highest  makes  up  for  every  dc- 

*  I  was  precrcnt  when  it  was  formed. 


64  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

ficiency.  Our  leader,  Mr.  Mosely,*j*  possesses 
all  the  purity  of  a  father  in  Christ.  Every 
word  he  utters  is  to  the  point.  M.  K.  has  had 
a  severe  attack  of  spitting  blood.  I  earnestly 
pray  that  this  dispensation  may  bring  her  to  feel 
the  importance  of  walking  more  closely  with 
God. 

I  went  to  the  city  on  Monday,  and  attended 
the  funerals  of  three  of  my  friends  : — Cousin  E. 
Dorsey's,  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  ;  Mr. 
Palmer's,  at  nine ;  and  Mrs.  Whitehead's,  at 
four  in  the  afternoon.  ';  Death  is  already  at 
the  door  : — he  knocks.  What  mail  defends  our 
untouched  hearts  ?  What  miracle  turns  oiT  the 
pointed  shafts,  which  from  a  thousand  quivers 
are  daily  darted  ?  We  stand  as  in  a  battle  ; — 
throngs  on  throngs  around  us  falling,  wounded." 
You  may  recollect  I  mentioned  having  spent 
the  evening  before  camp  meeting  with  Mrs. 
Whitehead,  and  had  no  expectation  of  seeing 
her  again  in  the  body  ;  but,  to  my  surprise,  on 
returning,  I  learned  that  the  silver  cord  was  not 
yet  loosed.  I  hastened  to  her  chamber.  On 
entering,  an  awe  I  cannot  express  pervaded  my 
mind  : — it  was  the  felt  presence  of  the  Deity. 
Dear  saint,  she  knew  me  perfectly ;  and  though, 
for  many  years  she  had  been  a  fearful,  doubting 
Christian,  (but  conscientious  in  the  extreme.) 
I  was  now  delighted  to  hear  her,  with  a  strength 
of  voice  that  astonished  me,  profess  an  un- 
shaken faith  in  Jesus.     Her  sun  set  without  a 

t  Since  decoasod.     See  his  death  mentioned  in  letter 
dated  March  1,  1830. 


LETTERS   OF   3II£S   BUNTING.  65 

cloud.  Our  parting  was  affecting.  She  gave 
me  her  dying  blessing.  I  assured  her  we 
should  meet  very  soon  above.  My  dear  Mary 
Ann,  "  what  webs  of  wonder  shall  unravel  there, 
— what  full  day  pour  on  all  the  paths  of  heaven, 
and  light  the  Almighty's  footsteps  in  the  deep  !" 

41  How  shall  the  blessed  day  of  our  discharge 
Unwind  at  once  the  lab'rinths  of  our  fate, 
And  straighten  its  inextricable  maze." 

To  this  happy  place,  O  holy  God,  bring  us, 
after  our  days  of  toil  are  ended. 

Ever  remember,  my  dear  sister,  that  discou- 
ragements will  always  prove  a  hinderance  to 
your  growth  in  holiness.  God  must  deny  him- 
self if  he  casts  away  his  own  image,  even  the 
soul  that  is  one  in  desire  with  himself.  God 
lives,  and,  blessed  be  his  name,  he  is  the  Sams 
almighty  Friend  who  has  guided  a'nd  guarded 
you  through  the  heedless  days  of  childhood  up 
to  youth.  Surely  he  will  be  your  Rock  of  de- 
fence now  in  sickness,  when  you  most  need  his 
care  and  support.  "  The  name  of  the  Lord  is  a 
strong  tower,  the  righteous  rufmeth  into  it  and 
is  safe."  Continue  to  shelter  under  his  wings. 
Yes,  it  will  be  over,  the  mortal  strife  will  cease, 
and  your  immortal  spirit  spring  to  its  source — 
the  bosom  of  your  God.  Do  write  rae  every 
particular  concerning  the  state  of  your  body 
and  souL  I  trust  you  have  learned  the  simpli- 
city of  believing.  I  found  sister  Kitty's  health 
improved.  We  have  had  a  succession  of  com-* 
pany  of  late.  Thank  God,  the  privilege  of  be- 
ing  sometimes  alone  has  not  been  denied  roe, 
5 


66  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

I  long  to  hear  from  Crosswicks ;  I  am  almost 
afraid  to  flatter  myself  with  the  hope  of  meeting 
you  there.  I  have  not  seen  M.  C.  since  we 
parted  after  meeting  in  the  grove.  I  hope  she 
may  stand  fast.  Give  my  best  wishes  and  re- 
gards to  Sarah  Ann.  I  pray  that  you  may  be 
a  mutual  help  to  each  other ;  and  when  we  all 
come  to  cross  the  Jordan  of  death,  then  may 
we  prove  that  we  have  not  followed  a  cunningly 
devised  fable.  So  breathes  the  heart  of  your 
constant,  sincere  friend,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Frankford,  Jan.  18,  1829. 
My  Dear  Mary  Ann, — I  eagerly  embrace 
the  first  leisure  moments  that  are  at  my  com- 
mand,  to  assure  you  that  I  still  feel  a  warm 
interest  in  your  welfare,  and  long  to  know  what 
the  present  state  of  your  health  is.  I  have  not 
heard  a  word  respecting  it  since  we  parted.  I 
have  passed  a  delightful  winter,  and  can  truly 
say  that  the  past  year  has  been  by  far  the  most 
favoured  of  my  life  ;  vet  I  tremble  on  calling  it 
over  and  inspecting  my  conduct,  so  many  de- 
fects, with  misimproved  moments,  rise  in  retro- 
spect before  my  view.  Thus  my  days  roll  on, 
but  little  done  for  God,  and  this  is  my  burden  ; 
but  I  can  appeal  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts  that 
I  v/ish,  above  all  things  else,  to  improve  time  to 
aome  valuable  purpose.  I  know  that  through 
Divine  assistance  I  am  making  some  progress 
toward  heaven,  though  far  from  what  I  ought, 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  67 

or  what  the  Lord  designs  I  should.  The  ser- 
vice of  my  Master  is  not  irksome.  I  expe. 
rience  that  in  keeping  his  commandments  there 
is  great  delight.  He  has  of  late  given  me  a 
clearer  demonstration  of  his  favour  :  the  witness 
of  the  Spirit  shines  indisputably  clear.  At 
times  such  a  manifestation  of  the  Divine  pre- 
sence is  granted  me  that  I  am  constrained  to 
cry,  Enlarge  my  heart,  or  withstay  thine  hand. 
By  firmly  believing  that  God  is  both  able  and 
willing  to  preserve  me  from  the  corruptions  of 
a  gay  world,  I  enjoy  a  constant  liberty  from 
sorrow,  fear,  and  sin.  Perhaps  you  may  wish 
to  know  what  success  our  preachers  have  met 
with  in  this  village.  Our  prospects  are  brighten- 
ing. The  Academy  in  the  afternoon  is  crowded 
with  attentive  hearers.  Our  parlour  in  the 
evening  is  also  filled.  The  night  meeting  has 
become  very  interesting  ;  we  have  a  sermon, 
and  afterward  a  prayer  meeting.  A  number 
profess  to  be  seeking  religion.  Some  time  back 
we  established  a  Methodist  Sabbath  school  ; 
we  have  forty  scholars  and  six  teachers,  three 
of  whom,  one  female  and  two  males,  are  under 
deep  conviction  of  sin  ;  also  one  of  the  scholars, 
an  orphan  girl,  fifteen  years  of  age.  Did  my 
friend  know  the  difficulties  and  discouragements 
I  have  contended  with  here,  she  could  rejoice 
with  me  that  the  Lord  has  not  forgotten  this 
corner  of  his  vineyard.  Great  as  the  trial 
was  for  me  to  leave  Philadelphia,  most  willingly 
would  I  spend  the  remnant  of  my  days  in 
Frankford,  could  I  see  a  living  ministry  esta~ 


68        LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

blished.  You  will  be  surprised  perhaps  to  learn 
that  we  expect  to  return  in  March  to  the  city 
to  live.  I  shall  feel  much  at  parting  with  the 
little  society.  The  Lord  knows  best  ;  there- 
fore, as  in  our  former  removal,  I  cheerfully 
submit.  Does  my  dear  sister  still  enjoy  the 
perpetual  sunshine  of  a  spotless  mind  1  Are 
you  enabled  to  rely  on  Him  who  has  ever  been 
your  sure,  unerring  friend  1  and  though  your 
cup  has  sometimes  been  mingled  with  tears, 
Jesus  has  been  a  shelter  to  you  from  every 
stormy  wind  that  blew,  and  every  swelling  tide 
of  wo.  Yes,  he  is  truly  a  calm  and  sure  retreat 
in  the  day  of  calamity.  Go  onward,  my  friend  ; 
shortly  you  shall  be  taken  to  a  world  where 
holiness  dwells  in  perfection;  where  death 
shall  be  done  away,  and  all  our  souls  be  peace. 
Even  on  earth — 

"  There  is  a  scene  where  spirits  blend, 
Wh-ire  friend  holds  fellowship  with  friend ; 
Tnough  sunder'd  far,  by  faith  we  meet 
Around  our  common  mercy  seat." 

M.  W.  is  thought  to  be  dangerously  ill.  The 
doctor  says  her  lungs  and  liver  are  both  dis- 
eased. I  expect  to  visit  her  next  week  ;  they 
are  still  out  of  town.  I  have  not  seen  her 
since  Chester  camp  meeting.  Thus  we  lan- 
guish and  die.  Your  friends  are  all  well  in  the 
city,  as  far  as  I  know,  but  I  am  seldom  there. 
Mr.  Force  has  been  out  to  preach  for  us.  He 
continues  to  take  scores  of  souls  into  the  out- 
ward Church.  I  thought  much  of  you  during 
the  meetings  at  New-Year  and  Christmas* — 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  69 

Shall  I  not  soon  expect  a  few  lines  from  you  ? 
Believe  me,  I  am,  as  ever,  your  affectionate 
friend,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  March  1,  1830. 

My  Much  Loved  Friend, — It  gave  me 
much  pleasure  to  receive  your  thrice  welcome 
letter.  Do  not,  for  one  moment,  attribute  my 
silence  to  want  of  affection.  Could  this  dull 
clog  fly  as  rapidly  as  thought,  we  should  have 
had  many  interviesvs.  I  estimate  the  price  of 
a  real  friend  far  above  rubies.  As  such  I  con- 
sider my  dear  Mary  Ann.  The  dark  billows 
of  affliction  have  rolled  over  me  since  I  gave 
you  the  parting  hand,  yet,  blessed  be  God,  I 
have  been  upborne  on  the  unyielding  wave, 
My  dear  sister's  health  has  apparently  been 
very  much  on  the  decline.  Her  symptoms  are 
of  a  most  alarming  nature  ;  she  has  again 
raised  some  blood,  and  at  this  time  she  is  suf- 
fering severely  from  a  blister.  We  have  been 
under  the  necessity  of  weaning  her  dear  babe, 
who  has  been  very  ill  of  a  fever,  but  is  now 
recovered.  You  can,  I  know,  judge  how  great 
a  charge  I  have  on  me.  I  view  with  intense 
gratitude  the  mercy  of  my  Father  in  heaven,  in 
granting  me  strength  to  perform  the  duties 
which  devolve  upon  me.  I  suffer  much  from 
my  side  and  throat,  but  infinitely  greater  is  the 
mental  anguish  I  endure  while  daily  watching 


70  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

the  gradual  ravages  of  dire  disease  upon  my 
nearest  earthly  relative.  Yet  when  I  compare 
my  trials  with  what  they  might  be,  and  with 
what  others  are  called  to  endure,  I  am  dumb 
before  God.  The  promises  of  the  Gospel  are 
my  chief  support.  I  find  them  sufficient  food 
for  my  hungry  soul  ;  yet  Satan  is  permitted  to 
assault  me  on  every  side,  and  cast  his  tempta- 
tions thick  as  autumnal  leaves  that  strew  the 
ground.  My  own  deeds  are  loathsome  to  me. 
I  have  no  staff  to  lean  upon — no  rest — but 
Jesus.  I  have  a  greater  contest  with  the  in- 
ward motions  of  my  soul  than  with  my  outward 
actions.  "I  view  an  idle  thought  as  actual 
wickedness."  I  endeavour  to  criticise  the 
movements  of  each  day,  and  have  cause  to  fear 
that  I  am  not  more  than  half  awake  to  my  own 
immortal  interest,  and  that  of  others.  I  see  the 
exceeding  broad  command  of  God,  and  am  look- 
ing and  longing  for  'power  to  fulfil  it.  How  true 
it  is,  my  dear  friend,  that  man  in  his  best  estate 
is  as  a  flying  shadow.  Is  it  not  important,  then, 
that  we  should  fix  our  affections  on  those  Di- 
viner objects  whose  nature  is  everlasting  ? 

Our  mutual  friend,  Eliza  Abbott,  has  taken 
her  flight  to  endless  glory.  I  was  permitted  to 
gaze  on  her  sweet  corpse  when  the  happy  spirit 
had  fled,  and  I  asked  to  be  endued  with  grace 
to  walk  in  her  footsteps.  I  shall  not  soon  for- 
get my  last  interview  with  her  a  short  time 
previous  to  her  death.  I  left  her  glorifying 
God  with  a  loud  voice.  E.  Ogden  witnessed 
the  closing  scene,  and  could  give  you  a  more 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  71 

minute  account.  She  was  struck  with  death  in 
the  evening,  and  expired  at  twelve  o'clock  at 
night, — had  her  senses  until  the  last, — called 
each  member  of  her  family, — gave  them  her 
commands,  and  took  leave  of  them  with  much 
composure  ;  after  this,  her  language  was, — 
"  Come,  Lord  Jesus.  Fain  nry  spirit  would  be 
there."  Elizabeth  asked  her  if  death  was  rob- 
bed of  its  terrors  ?  With  emphasis  she  replied, 
"  It  is  stingless.  O  had  I  strength  I  would  tell 
you  what  I  feel."  E.  requested  that  when  she 
was  no  longer  able  to  speak,  to  give  a  sign  if 
she  still  felt  happy,  and  saw  her  way  clear  to 
a  mansion  in  the  skies.  This  she  did  by  rais- 
ing her  arms  in  token  of  victory.  Dear  Julia 
was  enabled  to  resign  her  up  into  the  hands  of 
God  a  few  days  before  she  was  called  to  take 
her  final  leave  ;  and  I  am  rejoiced  to  find  how 
much  she  has  been  supported  under  this  heart- 
rending stroke.  She  requests  me  to  send  much 
love  to  you,  and  would  consider  it  a  favour  to 
have  a  letter  from  you.  Do  send  a  few  lines 
of  -consolation,  and  the  Lord  will  repay  you. 
Also,  our  venerable  father  in  Christ,  Mr.  Mose- 
ley,  has  gone  to  swell  the  heavenly  choir. — 
Surely  he  has  entered  the  heavenly  Canaan,  like 
the  weary  traveller  arriving,  joyful,  though  fa- 
tigued, at  his  journey's  end.  Triumphant,  like 
a  victor  after  a  severe  campaign,  he  exchanged 
this  cold,  howling  wilderness  for  the  beatitude 
of  heaven.  Upward  of  fifty  years  he  has  con- 
tended for  the  faith.  I  trust  never  to  forget 
the  admonition  he  favoured  me  with,  while  I  met 


72  LETTERS   OF  MISS   HUNTING. 

with  his  little  flock  in  class  at  Frankford.  How 
delightful  is  the  purity  of  a  father  in  Israel. 
The  last  conversation  I  had  with  him  in  his 
little  cottage,  which  was  as  perfect  a  picture  of 
neatness  as  I  ever  beheld,  has  till  this  moment 
left  a  Divine  sweetness  on  my  mind.  O  that 
1  may  so  run  as  to  be  permitted  to  join  with 
him  in  the  rapturous  enjoyment  of  the  vision 
of  God.  M.  S.  lies  very  low  ;  her  family 
had  no  idea  she  would  have  lived  to  see  this 
hour,  as  they  watched,  expecting  to  witness 
her  last  breath  three  weeks  ago.  She  has 
somewhat  revived,  but  the  hope  of  her  re- 
covery is  very  slender.  During  the  first  month 
of  her  illness  she  was  very  uncomfortable  in 
her  mind  ;  now  she  can  exult  in  God.  I  never 
saw  a  person  more  peaceful ;  it  is  a  privilege  to 
hear  her  converse.  I  could  enlarge  greatly  on 
thio  subject,  but  it  would  exceed  the  bounds 
of  my  letter  to  say  all  I  wish  respecting  her, 
or  S.  W.,  who,  you  may  recollect,  had  such  pe- 
culiar manifestations.  They  still  continue 
with  great  increase.  She  often  lies  days  and 
nights  together  without  eating  or  sleeping, 
yet  a  more  healthy  person  you  could  scarcely 
find.  I  was  with  her  twice  at  those  seasons, 
and  a  more  angelic  sight  I  never  witnessed. 
Truly,  we  know  but  in  part.  Our  finite  minds 
cannot  grasp  infinity.  The  prospects  at  Frank- 
ford  continue  flattering.  They  have  a  gradual 
increase  of  members.  Mr.  Huckle's  sons  have 
bought  the  academy,  and  rent  it  to  the  society. 
They  are  now  collecting  money  to  convert  it 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  73 

into  a  house  for  religious  worship.  Pray  most 
earnestly  for  success  to  attend  their  efforts. 

Lord,  grant  that  we  may,  amid  sick  and 
dying  friends,  experience  Jesus  to  be  all  and  in 
all  to  our  trembling  spirits.  Our  Churches  in 
the  city  remain  much  as  they  were  when  you 
left.  I  hope  my  friend  is  enjoying  much  of  the 
consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Bodily  afflic- 
tions are  only  given  for  your  profit,  that  you 
may  become  a  partaker  of  God's  holiness. 
This  I  know  you  realize,  and  can  see  a  Father's 
hand  in  all,  and  that  he  is  leading  you  step  by 
step  to  his  kingdom.  Yes,  my  dear  Mary, 
Christ  has  a  firm  hold  on  you,  however  feeble 
your  grasp  of  him  ;  therefore  let  your  soul 
cast  itself  on  him,  and  adventure  there  all  its 
weight.  You  and  I,  my  dear  girl,  will  not 
much  longer  attempt  the  boisterous  ocean  of 
life.  Already  our  feet  are  wet  with  the  swell- 
ings of  Jordan.  Almost,  by  an  eye  of  faith, 
we  espy  the  other  shore,  and  hear  the  heavenly 
songsters. 

I  am  gratified  to  hear,  by  Mr.  Thatcher,  that 
you  have  been  in  the  midst  of  a  glorious  out- 
pouring of  the  Spirit.  I  trust  my  dear  friend 
has  obtained  a  glorious  shower.  Remember 
me  in  your  best  moments.  Friday  I  held  sa- 
cred.  Write  me  very  soon,  and  believe  me 
your  invariable  friend,  Hannah, 


74  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

To  the  same. 
Philadelphia,  April  20,  1630. 

My  Dear  Friend, — Your  letter  came  safe 
to  hand,  and  was  a  source  of  gratification.  1 
have  thought  very  frequently  of  you  during  the 
conference.  I  have  had  few  opportunities  of 
worshipping  in  the  sanctuary  ;  but  when  I  have 
enjoyed  this  high  privilege,  the  adorable  Jesus 
has  revealed  his  lovely  face,  and  on  hearing 
the  height  that  a  Christian  may  attain,  I  felt  a 
painful  thirst  to  bear  more  fully  the  Divine  im- 
press. J  cannot^ — will  not  be  satisfied  to  feed 
upon  the  stale  manna  of  past  experience.  My 
aspiring  soul  longs  for  a  daily  supply  from  the 
fountain  head  of  bliss. 

The  insidious  tempter  leaves  no  means  un- 
tried to  throw  me  off  my  guard-  Alas  !  his 
designs  are  too  successful.     I  often  feel  as  if 

I  could  weep  tears  of  blood,  if  they  could  atone 
for  my  defects.  Had  I  not  the  advocacy  of 
my  blessed  Redeemer  to  present  to  a  holy  God,  I 
should  indeed  despair  of  gaining  perfect  purity. 
Praised  be  the  Lord  my  righteousness  for  his 
unparalleled  love  to  a  frail  worm.  I  have 
man}T  hours  of  inviolable  peace,  and  solemn 
nearness  to  him  in  public  and  in  private. — 
While  I  write,  my  soul  is  raised  to  him  in  hea- 
venly enjoyment.  Eternity  affords  a  glorious 
prospect.  With  joy  I  can  welcome  the  cold 
embrace  of  death,  and  fear  not  its  icy  arms. 

II  It  is  he  alone  that  can  heave  the  massy  bar, 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  75 

the  gross  impediments   of  clay  remove,   and 
make  us  embryos  of  existence  free." 

Hannah. 


To  the  same. 
Philadelphia,  Oct.  17,  1830. 
My  Very  Dear  Friend, — I  am  aware  ap- 
pearances are  very  much  against  me.  I  trust 
you  are  too  well  acquainted  with  my  heart  to 
suppose  my  silence  is  intentional.  The  Lord, 
in  the  infinitude  of  his  mercy,  has  seen  proper 
to  lay  me  in  the  furnace.  The  past  summer 
has  been  one  of  trial,  yet  the  tender  love  of  a 
Father  was  mixed  with  every  ingredient  in  my 
cup  of  sorrow.  I  will  endeavour  to  give  you 
some  account  of  the  changeful  scene  I  have 
passed  through  since  I  last  wrote  you.  In  the 
month  of  June  I  resorted,  with  my  dear  sister, 
to  the  Pine  Cottage,  for  the  benefit  of  the  air 
and  water.  I  know  not  that  she  was  much 
recruited.  While  there  I  found  myself  sur- 
rounded by  those  who  were  immersed  in  the 
spirit  of  the  world.  I  could  not  endure  the 
pain  of  passing  the  Sabbath  among  a  people  of 
sucha  spirit.  As  I  had  no  conveyance,  I  walk- 
ed to  Pemberton  to  unite  in  the  worship  of 
God.  The  house  was  filled  ;  1  took  a  seat  on 
the  stairs.  A  crowd  of  busy,  and  not  unpro- 
fitable recollections  occupied  my  mind.  How 
often,  thought  I,  have  the  feet  of  my  dear  friends, 
T.  E.  and  M.  A.,  pressed  this  sacred  floor, 
and  all  suppliant  at  the  Saviour's  throne,  their 


76  LKTTEKS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

sighs  and  prayers  have  ascended  to  God.  Mr. 
Steward  preached,  and  described  the  resurrec- 
tion. Fancied  I  saw  the  tomb  of  my  friend  T. 
bursting,  and  she  springing  from  her  dusty  bed, 
waving  a  victory  palm,  and,  on  a  golden  harp 
striking  the  anthem,  ever  sweet  and  new,  of 
redemption.  Sarah  Ann  Budd  called  the  Wed- 
nesday following,  for  me  to  accompany  her  to 
Mrs.  Beohm's  female  prayer  meeting.  Just  as 
the  sup.  had  shed  his  last  rays  over  creation,  S. 
and  myself  arrived  at  the  hallowed  spot  of  earth 
where  dear  Eliza's  cold  remains  in  solitude 
have  slept  three  years  away.  Ah  !  I  exclaimed, 
unheeded  o'er  her  silent  dust  the  storms  now 
heat,  while  we  are  wandering  up  and  down  this 
weary  land  of  shadows,  conversant  with  temp- 
tation and  pain.  Our  souls  and  bodies  we  can 
trust  with  him  who  numbers  every  particle  of 
dust,  and  when  made  perfect  through  the  blood 
of  *;>rinkling,  may  we  be  found  worthy  to  join 
with  yonder  saints  who  walk  the  golden  streets 
of  New  Jerusalem,  and  compass  around  the 
throne  with  vision  blessed.  As  we  entered  the 
parsonage,  where  prayer  was  wont  to  be  made, 
S.  pointed  out  the  shrubbery  which  had  been 
planted  by  the  hand  of  my  own  Mary  Ann.  I 
had  sweet  union  with  your  spirit, — but  I  fear 
I  am  tedious.  From  the  cottage  we  went  to 
Asbury,  hoping  the  jaunt  would  prove  of  service 
to  my  poor  suffering  sister.  The  ride  was  as 
much  as  she  could  bear.  We  stayed  a  few 
days  with  cousin  A.  and  D.,  and  stopped  at 
Hilton,  intending  to  remain  a  week  or  more. 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  77 

Hannah  was  taken  ill,  so  we  returned  home ; — 
left  Lydia.  It  was  a  disappointment  I  could 
but  ill  bear.  I  then  went  with  K.  to  Frank- 
ford,  and  boarded  there  for  some  weeks.  [ 
stole  offal  every  interval  to  assemble  with  the 
humble  followers  of  the  lowly  Jesus.  I  cannot 
describe,  in  the  language  of  mortals,  what  my 
feelings  were  to  witness  what  God  had  wrought. 
A  neat  house  is  filled  with  attentive  hearers. 
Two  r.lasses  are  formed,  and  some  respectable 
heads  of  families  have  joined.  You  would  be 
surprised  to  hear  the  prayers  offered  up  by  those 
who  were  recently  running  the  downward  road. 
From  Frankford  we  removed  to  Jenkentown, 
ten  miles  from  the  city.  There  I  was  relieved 
from  a  crowd  of  gay,  volatile  boarders  ;  yet  the 
family  were  destitute  of  the  fear  of  God.  Not 
a  place  of  worship  in  the  village; — this  was 
more  than  I  could  bear.  Germantown  being 
rive  miles  distant,  I  rode  there,  though  a 
stranger,  and  begged  the  circuit  preachers  to 
hold  meetings  in  Jenkentown.  This  request 
they  have  attended  to,  and  now  have  regular 
preaching  in  a  room,  formerly  occupied  as  a 
ball  room.  May  the  Lord  take  his  own  cause 
in  hand  in  this  part  of  the  country,  where  infi- 
delity stalks  at  noon  day.  Hicks's  opinions 
are  generally  received  by  the  inhabitants  of  this 
town.  I  was  quite  sick  for  two  weeks  ere  I 
returned  home.  Immediately  on  my  arrival  I 
was  taken  with  intermittent  fever,  and  just  as  I 
was  recovering  was  seized  with  spitting  blood. 
I  had  a  return  of  it  a  few  days  after  the  first 


78  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

attack.  The  doctor  prohibited  me  from  speak- 
ing. I  kept  my  bed  for  some  time  ; — side 
and  breast  were  blistered  ; — tartar  plaster  was 
applied  where  I  had  a  blister.  This  was  the 
most  severe  suffering  I  ever  experienced.  I 
walked  the  floor  a  night  and  day  in  agony.  I 
took,  for  a  long  time,  small  portions  of  sul- 
phur and  calomel.  Am  now  able  to  perform 
my  duties  almost  as  usual  ;  yet  I  find  a  great 
difference  in  my  breast,  as  the  blood  I  raised 
came  from  the  lungs.  It  is  more  difficult  for 
me  to  write  than  you  can  imagine  ;  so  you  will 
use  much  forbearance  with  the  hasty  manner  I 
have  penned  these  lines. 

O  that  I  had  strength  and  room  to  speak  of 
the  kindness  of  Him  whose  fatherly  chastise- 
ments have  been  upon  me.  Though  I  can  say 
my  mind  was  kept  perfectly  calm  under  my 
most  terrifying  symptoms,  and  though  it  was 
a  solemn  thing  to  look  death  steadily  in  the 
face,  yet  I  felt  it  would  be  gain  to  die  with 
Jesus  near,  the  rock  of  my  salvation.  I  have 
been  much  shut  out  from  public  means,  but  the 
Lord's  providences  are  effectual  instead  of  or- 
dinances. I  am  sure  I  never  felt  my  mind  in 
a  sweeter  frame  than  it  has  been  this  evening. 
Hallelujah !  Hallelujah !  whether  calms  or 
storms  await  me,  Jesus  lives  to  lead  me 
through.  I  don't  feel,  dear  Mary,  like  sitting 
down  at  home  this  side  of  Jordan.  I  expect 
the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  we  shall  rest  in 
the  bosom  of  our  God,  "  safe  from  diseases  and 
decline."     My  dear  sister  lies  apparently  as  a 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  79 

wreck  on  the  shores  of  time.  Her  disorder  has 
continued  to  progress  daily,  for  some  weeks. 
She  has  suffered  with  a  sore  throat.  Some  days 
she  keeps  her  bed  almost  entirely.  You  can 
judge  what  my  feelings  are  ;  I  have,  if  I  am 
not  deceived,  fully  resigned  her  up  to  God  ; 
yet  I  long  to  see  her  in  a  more  comfortable 
frame.  If  ever  you  wrestle  in  prayer,  let  it  be 
in  her  behalf,  that  the  cloud  may  burst  in  bless- 
ings on  her  head. 

Do  write  very  soon,  and  comfort  the  heart  of 
your  tried  friend,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Nov.,  1830. 
My  Dear  Mary  Ann, — I  was  led  to  adore 
the  God  of  love  for  providing  sympathetic 
friends.  The  reception  of  your  kind  letter  was 
like  a  balm  to  my  troubled  heart.  Yes,  I  know 
you  can  fully  realize  the  dark  post  of  observa- 
tion infinite  Wisdom  has  placed  me  at.  My 
precious  sister  lies  as  a  wreck  upon  the  shores 
of  time  ;  we  know  not  what  hour  her  immortal 
spirit  may  launch  into  the  boundless  ocean  of 
eternity.  Ah  !  my  friend,  nothing  but  strong 
evidences  will  do  at  such  a  moment.  I  am 
earnestly  crying  that  the  bright  beams  which 
stream  from  her  heavenly  Father's  reconciled 
countenance  may  illumine  the  gloomy  vale  of 
death.  She  has  an  unshaken  confidence  in  the 
arm  of  Omnipotence,  yet  the  arch  foe  of  God 
and  man  is  not  idle.    Alas  !  he  is  too  successful 


80  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

in  damping  her  joys,  and  weakening  her 
faith.  How  my  soul  longs  to  see  her  scorn 
his  cruel  power,  and  dare  the  pointless  shafts 
of  death.  My  friend,  urge  her  suit.  We  have 
had  many  sweet  visits  from  those  who,  I  believe, 
are  filled  with  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and 
the  chamber  seems  a  consecrated  spot.  The 
air  of  it  almost  inspires  devotion.  I  am  sorry 
your  dear  mother  is  so  much  of  a  sufferer.  O 
that  God  may  proportion  strength  according  to 
her  day  of  trial ;  and  may  you,  my  dear  girl, 
be  strengthened  both  in  body  and  mind.  I 
have  had  another  quite  serious  attack  of  spit- 
ting blood  :  now  quite  unfit  for  writing.  Lord, 
grant  that  our  afflictions  may  prove  of  a  trans- 
forming  nature* 

Your  true  friend,  Hannah. 


Extracts  of  letters  from  H.  S.  Bunting  to  D. 
Welsh,  one  of  her  Sabbath  scholars. 

Mount  Holly,  August  21,  1831. 
My  Ever  Dear  Deborah, — You  have  been 
laid  with  such  unusual  weight  upon  my  mind 
that  I  cannot  resist  the  desire  I  feel  to  send  a 
few  lines  as  a  testimony  of  the  intense  interest  I 
experience  continually  for  your  welfare.  I  trust 
that  while  disease  is  making  deep  ravages  on 
your  shattered  frame,  you  still  experience  that 
religion  is  the  power  of  God  unto  the  complete 
salvation  of  your  soul  from  sorrow,  fear,  and 
sin.  Languor,  no  doubt,  often  impedes  the 
impulse  your  spirit  feels  to  rise  on  contcmpla* 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  81 

tioif  s  wing,  and  hold  converse  with  the  Deity  ; 
and  Satan,  a  wily  foe,  takes  advantage  of  your 
weakness,  and  suggests  a  thousand  nameless 
temptations,  calculated  to  damp  your  spirit,  and 
weaken  your  faith.  Do  not  give  place  to  him 
for  one  moment ;  fly  to  your  hiding  place,  even 
to  that  dear  side  which  was  cleft  to  take  you  in. 
There,  in  Jesu's  mighty  name  you  can  go, 
and  conquer  death,  your  final  foe.  I  want  my 
dear  D.  to  take  courage,  and  remember  that 
the  Holy  One  of  Israel  hath  said,  "  It  is  not  by 
might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  my  Spirit,  saith  the 
Lord."  Feeble  as  you  are,  in  the  strength  of 
grace  you  can  "  run  through  a  troop,  or  lea}) 
over  a  wall,"  Yes,  I  firmly  believe  that  my 
dear  D.  is — 

*t  As  an  iron  pillar  strong, 

And  steadfast  as  a  wall  of  brass  ;" 

and  that  nothing  shall  be  able  to  separate  her 
from  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 
I  have  been  quite  ill  for  two  weeks  past. 
*l  O  when  will  death  this  mouldering  old  parti- 
tion wall  throw  down,  and  give  beings  one  in 
nature  one  abode  ?  Happy  day  !  that  breaks 
our  chains, — that  manumits, — that  calls  from 
exile  home."  Thank  God  that  while  I  am 
tossed  by  the  winds  that  blow  during  the  voyage 
of  this  life,  "  my  mind  still  has  heaven  and 
peace  within."  But  I  am  restless,  and  sigh  for 
the  blissful  period  when,  from  this  dull  load 
released,  I  shall  join  the  hallelujahs  of  the 
skies,  and  unite  with  the  loved  ones,  who  have 
gone  a  few  days  before,  in  a  song  of  praise  to 
6' 


82  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Him  who  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  to  the 
Lamb  for  ever.  When  I  daily  bow  before  the 
throne  of  grace,  you  are  not  forgotten  in  my 
feeble  supplications  to  our  common  Father. 
May  you  dwell  under  the  shadow  of  the  Al- 
mighty. H.  S.  Bunting. 


To  the  same. 

Philadelphia,  Dec.  1831, 

My  Dear  Afflicted  D., — It  rejoices  me  to 
know  that  you  are  a  dear  member  of  the  body 
of  Christ,  and  that  all  the  arrows  of  affliction  are 
pointed  with  love.  I  believe  you  are  weaned 
from  all  pleasure  God  sees  fit  to  deny  you  ; 
then  why,  my  dear  D.,  do  you  weigh  yourself 
down  with  burdens  which  do  not  belong  to  the 
present  hour  1  We  are  not  promised  gt ace  now 
for  next  year.  The  hope  of  future  glory  is  the 
most  perfect  cure  for  despondency.  The  op- 
pressive melancholy  you  indulge  in  is  cutting 
ilie  very  sinews  of  your  soul  ;  and  the  discou- 
rapement  you  give  way  to  is  an  exceeding  hin- 
derance  to  your  spiritual  fervency  and  affection. 
O  that  you  would  believe  more  fully  that  "  God 
is  love," — that  his  requirements  are  all  easy  ; 
then  I  think  you  would  have  more  mercy  on 
your  poor  body.  Your  meditations  of  the  Re- 
deemer  are  sometimes  very  sweet,  though  your 
mind  is  so  much  weakened  that  you  cannot 
follow  a  train  of  thought  for  any  length  of  time. 
Soon  you  will  be  released  from  this  weakness, 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  83 

and  be  where  you  can  praise  God  continually 
without  weariness.. 

"And  when  I  bend  to  that  Being  on  high. 
Who  ruleth  the  waters,  whose  throne  is  tiie  sky, 
Thou  still  art  remember'd,  my  sister,  and  there 
Thy  name  is  breath'd  forth  in  stillness  and  prayer." 

There  is  no  faith  worth  having  but  a  tried 
faith,  and  yours,  I  think,  has  been  fully  tested. 
Nothing  will  be  lost  in  the  fiery  trial  but  na- 
ture's dross.  Your  foes  must  fly  while  you  can 
simply  raise  the  shield  of  faith,  or  wield  the 
Spirit's  sword.  We  are  still  inhabitants  of  a 
world  liable  to  constant  revolution  ;  but  we 
are  journeying  to  a  land  where  we  shall  know 
no  change,  except  from  "  glory  to  glory."  We 
shall  there  join  the  unnumbered  millions  who 
surround  the  throne  in  an  unceasing  song  of 
praise  : — 

"O  glorious  home!   O  bright  abode  ! 
We  shall  bo  near,  and  like  our  God." 

Consider  the  Apostle  and  High  Priest  of  your 
profession,  Christ  Jesus,  who  endured  such  con- 
tradiction of  sinners  against  himself, — he  will 
be  your  rock,  the  fortress  where  your  soul  may 
take  shelter  from  all  her  foes,  fie  will  cover 
your  head  in  the  day  of  battle.  Though  you 
walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  he  will  sustain  your 
fainting  spirit, — will  arm  your  breast  with  stead- 
fast patience,  and,  when  the  grace  of  resignation 
is  fully  perfected,  sign  your  release,  and  gather 
you  among  his  jewels. 

Yours  ever,  Hannah. 


84  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

Extracts  of  letters  to  Miss  L.  Bunting. 
Philadelphia,  April  20,  1825. 

My  Dear  Cousin  L., — Frequently  have  I 
found  myself  conversing  mentally  with  you 
since  1  received  your  last  letter.  As  usual,  it 
afforded  me  much  satisfaction.  You  give  me 
many  friendly  cautions  to  be  careful  of  my  poor 
body.  3Iy  health  is  much  improved  :  my  soul 
and  body  have  both  been  strengthened.  Peace, 
constant  peace,  is  the  inhabitant  of  my  bosom. 
Glory  !  glory  !  Jesus  is  a  satisfying  portion  : 
"  His  love  possessing,  I  am  blessed,  secure  what- 
ever change  may  come," 

I  went  to  our  lovefeast  on  Friday  evening 
last,  with  but  little  expectation  of  enjoying  my- 
self; but  as  soon  as  the  first  hymn  was  read, 
my  heart  melted  into  tenderness  before  theLoid. 
Stream  after  stream  of  Divine  love  flowed  into 
my  soul,  and  I  never  felt  greater  liberty  in  own, 
ing  my  Lord.  Truly  it  humbles  my  soul  when 
I  contemplate  the  mercy  of  God  toward  me,  the 
most  unworthy, 

I  have  been  quite  cheered  of  late  with  a 
prospect  of  a  revival  in  my  Sunday  class,  Se- 
veral of  the  children  have  been  under  serious 
impressions  during  the  winter  :  this  spring  their 
convictions  have  been  much  deepened.  I  meet 
them  on  Saturday  afternoon  at  our  house  :  they 
attend  well,  and  I  have  found  it  a  means  of 
strengthening  my  own  soul.  How  true  it  is, 
"if  we  bear  the  cross,  it  will  bear  us."  With 
the  pious  Bramwell,  I  confess  that  "  I  dread  the 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  85 

bitter  cup  of  a  useless  life."    Dear  L.,  farewell. 
Yours  ever,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  July  23,  1825. 
My  Dear  L., — I  cannot  deny  myself  the 
gratification  of  writing,  although  this  extremely 
warm  weather  affects  me  seriously.  I  am  jea- 
lous over  myself,  lest  there  is  not  as  great  a 
willingness  in  me  to  suffer,  as  to  do  the  will  of 
God  ;  so  that  1  rejoice  with  trembling.  I  have 
been  sifted  of  late  as  wheat :  all  the  grace  I 
have  has  been  tried.  I  have  been  in  heaviness 
through  manifold  temptations  ;  a  sense  of  my 
own  nothingness  has  humbled  me  in  the  dust. 
But  though  I  am  cast  down,  I  am  not  forsaken. 
I  am  sensible  "  God  only  designs  my  dross  to 
consume,  and  my  gold  to  refine."  I  consider 
it  no  small  favour  that  I  am  not  permitted  to 
rest  in  what  I  have  formerly  felt.  The  vase. 
the  unbounded  desires  of  my  heart  are  far  from 
being  satisfied.  I  want  to  sink  lower,  and  still 
lower  in  my  own  eyes,  that  I  may  come  nearer 
to  my  God.  Do  not  think  that  I  have  let  go 
my  hold  on  the  Saviour ;  no,  no !  I  could 
testify  of  the  efficacy  of  Jesus'  blood  to  wash 
the  foulest  sinner  clean.  I  have  a  full  as. 
surance  that  God  is  my  God,  and  Christ  my 
Saviour,  even  from  the  indwelling  power  of 
sin.  I  feel  thankful  I  can  write  thus  freely 
to  one  who  knows  my  heart.  I  trust  my  dear 
L.  has,  ere  this,  emerged  from  her  state   of 


86  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

needless  disquietude.  Did  you  witness  my 
streaming  eyes  and  agonizing  heart  on  your1 
account,  you  would  not  think  me  unconcerned. 

Do  not  mistake  me,  L.  I  do  not  suppose 
your  danger  so  great  as  to  cause  this  distress. 
No  !  I  am  only  grieved  that  you  will  not  claim 
your  own.  Nothing  can  he  stronger  in  the 
universe  than  simple  faith.  Look  upon  Jesus 
steadily,  rely  on  his  merits,  believe  with  a 
simple  heart,  and  you  shall  prevail  with  God. 
You  will  find,  by  reading  H.'s  letter,  that  dear 
cousin  Daniel  Ellis  has  exchanged  a  state  of 
suffering  for  a  peaceful  and  glorious  immor- 
tality. I  received  a  letter  from  Baltimore 
giving  a  particular  account  of  his  death.  My 
friend  remarks,  that  "  although  Daniel's  feel- 
ings were  not  those  of  ecstatic  joy,  yet  they 
were  those  of  a  soul  struggling  to  throw  itself 
entirely  on  Christ,  who  is  the  only  foundation 
of  his  hope."  Can  you  not  join  with  me,  dear 
L.,  in  praise  that  another  has  escaped  to  the 
skies  ?  When  shall  we  bid  adieu  to  this  stormy 
sea?  "O  haste  the  hour  of  joy  and  sweet 
repose." 

I  would  employ  every  moment  to  perform 
and  press  on  in  the  name  and  strength  of 
God,  to  certain  victory.  Satan  hath  suggested 
that  when  the  storm  rises  higher  my  faith  will 
fail  ;  but  God  is  strong,  and  in  him  is  my  hope. 
I  have  not  a  doubt  but  that  I  am  the  Lord's, 
and  that  my  present  exercises  are  directed  for 
my  good.  I  am  admonished  not  to  expect 
long  life,  and  constantly  feel  the  deep  necessity 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  87 

of  a  habitual  preparation  for  death.  I  view 
every  thing  earthly  to  be  fleeting  and  fading  • 
but  the  prospect  of  heaven  is  glorious,  and  that 
glory  will  riever  fade.  My  love  to  all  my  dear 
friends  at  Crosswicks.  Pray  for  your  affec- 
tionately attached  cousin,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Sept.  17,  1825. 

My  Dear  Cousin,*— With  pleasure  I  seat 
myself  to  relate  some  of  my  exercises  since 
we  separated  on  Friday.  O  how  I  desired 
your  company  in  the  evening  at  our  lovefeast. 
Such  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord  I  have  seldom  witnessed.  I  have 
an  unusual  degree  of  comfort  and  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  and  I  feel  this  evening  as  if  God 
would  fully  and  eternally  save  me.  I  know 
that  whether  I  live  or  die,  I  am  the  Lord's. 
For  several  nights  I  could  not  compose  myself 
to  sleep  ;  my  heart  was  so  continually  ascend- 
ing heavenward.  I  have  been  seeking  for  a 
complete  dedication  of  myself  to  God  ;  have 
also  been  contending  with  unlooked-for  tempta- 
tions. But,  as  you  say,  "  What  could  I  do 
but  flee  to  the  Saviour?"  Your  frame  of  mind 
delights  and  cheers  me.  Satan  may  tempt, 
but  destroy  us  he  cannot,  while  seated  by  the 
Saviour's  side*  My  constant  cry  is,  li  Save 
me  from  the  world  and  sin,  and  all  the  accu- 
ser's power." 

My  dear  L.,  how  sweet  is  the  silent  hour  of 


88  LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

twilight  !  It  fits  the  mind  for  contemplation 
and  communion  with  God.  I  have  just  re- 
turned from  this  delightful  employment.  I  had 
sweet  union  also  with  your  spirit.  My  feelings 
were  past  describing.  The  moon  shone  through 
my  chamber  window,  and  caused  a  pleasing 
sadness.     Those  lines  struck  me  forcibly : — 

"  How  oft  thy  bright  beams  through  my  casement 
appoar; 
To  far  distant  lands  they  extend  : 
Illumine  the  dwellings  of  those  that  are  dear, 
And  sleep  on  the  grave  of  my  friend." 

I  am  cheered  with  the  hope,  that  when  you 
and  I  have  done  with  the  pain  and  strife  of  this- 
checkered  scene,  we  shall  be  taken  to  a  higher 
and  better  world,  to  sing  an  eternal  song  of 
praise  among  the  angels*  While  many  are  sa- 
tisfying themselves  with  the  performance  of  a 
dull  round  of  services,  let  us  exert  oiarselves  to- 
obtain  a  clear  knowledge  of  God  and  our  duty,, 
that  we  may  at  last  obtain  a  full  reward.  I 
tremble  when  I  think  of  the  privileges  I  enjoy* 
Do  pray,  dear  L.,  that  I  may  improve  them  as 
I  ought. 

The  Divine  presence  overshadowed  me 
while  attending  the  Salem  lovefeast.  Scores^ 
of  mourners  pressed  forward  to  the  altar.  I 
was  gladdened  by  the  sight  of  another  of  my 
Sabbath  scholars  praising  a  sin-pardoning  God. 
The  family  retired  to  rest  before  I  began  my 
letter ;  but  I  know  not  how  to  cease.  I  love 
to  tell  you  all  my  heart.  God  bless  you.. 
Believe  me,,  as  ever,  yours.  Hannah- 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  89 

To  the  same. 
Philadelphia,  Dec.  8,  1825. 

My  Much  Loved  Cousin, — Again  I  tender 
my  thanks  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  me. 
The  time  appears  long  since  we  met.  A  few 
nights  since  I  had  a  delightful  interview  with 
you  in  my  sleep,  conversing  on  the  love  of 
God.  I  awoke,  and  found  it  a  dream  ;  but 
was  cheered  with  the  hope  that  our  spirits 
would  shortly  unite  in  the  kingdom  of  our  Fa- 
ther. The  account  I  hear  of  your  health  alarms 
me.  I  have  been  trying  to  realize  parting  with 
you  ;  but  my  heart  revolts  at  the  idea  of  con- 
tending with  the  sorrows  of  life  without  your 
sympathy  and  friendship.  However,  the  pro- 
bability is,  we  shall  not  long  be  separated. 

O,  Lydia,  how  valuable  is  religion  !  It  en- 
ables its  possessor  to  view  with  indifference 
this  world's  smiles  and  frowns.  My  path  is 
becoming  brighter :  the  world  has  lost  its 
power  to  charm  me.  I  know  but  little  of  rap- 
ture ;  but  while  engaged  in  holy  contemplation, 
I  am  often  lost  to  all  below  the  skies.  But  I 
have  still  to  fight  my  passage  through  this 
land,  where  snares  surround  me. 

Let  us  ever  dare  to  be  singular,  and  live  a 
life  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  I  trust  you  now 
enjoy  a  fulness  of  the  blessings  of  Gospel 
liberty,  and  that  a  full  tide  of  peace  is  flowing 
into  your  soul.  Soon,  my  dear  cousin,  the  war 
will  be  ended,  and  our  treasure  enlarged  in  the 
New  Jerusalem, — 


90  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

•'Where  hope  shall  in  fruition  die, 
And  all  our  souls  be  love." 

My  expanding  soul  can  never  be  satisfied 
until  I  awake  in  the  likeness  of  my  Redeemer. 
"  Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  king  in  his  beauty," 
ehases  away  all  my  gloom.  My  causes  of 
gratitude  are  without  bounds.  As  it  respects 
my  health,  I  cannot  complain ;  yet  I  am  sen- 
sible the  seeds  of  a  mortal  disease  are  deeply 
sown  within  my  vitals.  Last  evening  I  had  a 
severe  chill,  which  lasted  an  hour.  These 
calls  bid  me  stand  in  constant  readiness  for 
the  joyful  summons*  Courage,  dear  L.,  we 
shall  see  the  paradise  of  God,  and  be  admitted 
there.     I  remain,  yours,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Sept.  20,  1826. 
Dearest  Lydia, — Your  letter  afforded  me 
infinite  pleasure.  I  am  very  certain  you  did 
not  wish  to  be  with  me  in  the  grove,  more  than 
I  wished  to  be  blessed  with  your  society.  May 
I  not  say,  "  Twins,  tied  by  nature, — if  they 
part,  they  die."  I  scarce  turned  without  some 
tent,  bench,  or  walk  reminding  me  how  often 
we  talked  down  the  summer's  sun.  Many 
pleasing  and  painful  recollections  pressed  upon 
my  mind  ;  yet  I  forbear.  God  witnessed  my 
anxious  solicitude  on  your  account.  Dear  H. 
and  M.  A.  were  not  forgotten.  I  trust  my  im- 
perfect breathings  are  registered  on  high,  and 
I  hope  will  descend  in  copious  showers  upon 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  1SUXTIXG.  91 

each  of  my  beloved  friends.  Without  any 
doubt,  Lydia,  your  meek  submission  to  the 
Divine  will  arose  as  incense  to  the  skies.  God 
never  directs  us  to  make  a  sacrifice,  without 
affording  us  strength  accordingly.  Hope,  my 
dear  L.,  is  still  your  happy  portion :  yes  ; 
hope,  blooming  with  immortality.  I  am  per- 
suaded you  have  nothing  to  fear  with  regard  to 
an  interest  in  the  atoning  blood.  If  you  have 
cause  to  doubt,  I  might  despair  of  salvation. 
The  point  on  which  you  fail,  if  I  may  be  per- 
mitted to  judge,  is,  that  you  look  too  much  at 
your  own  unworthiness  and  helplessness  by 
nature,  instead  of  relying  simply  on  the  Saviour, 
the  sinners'  friend.  Take  courage  ;  your  kind 
Father  will  grant  your  aspiring  soul  a  fuller 
knowledge  of  himself  and  you  shall  yet  sing, 
with  all  your  friends  in  light,  "  His  everlasting 
love  to  man." 

Mrs.  D.  intends  holding  a  female  prayer 
meeting.  With  trembling  I  have  consented  to 
attend.  Hold  me  up  by  your  prayers.  I  have 
covenanted  to  bear  every  cross  that  the  Lord 
requires  of  me  ;  and  of  iate  my  faith  has  been 
unusually  strong.  It  has  been  mercifully  given, 
as  I  have  had  to  contend  with  various  trials. 
I  would  gladly  know  what  to  do,  or  suffer,  that 
will  enable  me  to  sink  more  into  the  will  of  God. 
I  abandon  myself  wholly  to  his  direction. — 
Bless  his  holy  name,  I  do  not  serve  him  for 
naught :  he  affords  me  many  sweet  draughts 
from  the  Rock.  My  path  through  life  is  strewed 
with  many  mercies.     My  life  and  health  were 


92  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

precious  in  his  sight,  while  exposed  to  the  in- 
clemency  of  the  weather  on  Blackwood's  hal- 
lowed ground.  Our  prospects  here  are  bright- 
ening  ;  but  I  trust  the  present  are  but  as  the 
drops  before  a  plenteous  shower.  God  is  verv 
gracious  :  receiving  out  of  his  fulness,  I  can 
lack  nothing  essential  to  my  happiness  in  time 
or  in  eternity.  I  disdain  and  reject  the  plea- 
sures  of  sense,  that  would  deprive  me  of,  or 
unfit  me  for  the  celestial  enjoyments  that  flow 
from  an  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  Deity. 
Did  you  witness  my  silent  tears  that  flow  when 
I  think  of  the  weeks  and  months  that  must 
pass  away  ere  I  again  behold  your  face,  you 
would  suppose  my  heart  felt  keenly  ;  but  I  am 
cheered  with  the  hope  of  meeting  never  more 
to  part.     Your  ever  affectionate 

Hannah. 


To  tJie  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Dec.  29,  1826. 
Will  my  dearest  Lydia  pardon  my  silence 
when  I  tell  her  it  has  been  my  wish  to  write, 
but  could  not  for  want  of  a  suitable  conveyance ; 
and  as  I  have  now  succeeded  in  separating  my- 
self from  company,  the  few  moments  I  have 
stolen  shall  be  employed  in  writing  to  you.  I 
praise  God  on  your  account  for  the  Saviour's 
last  legacy, — peace.  What  more  can  we  ask  ? 
Is  it  not  Heaven's  best  gift  ?  Let  us  show 
forth  our  gratitude  to  the  author  of  it  by  lying 
passive  in  his  hands,  willing  to  be  moulded  ac- 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  93 

cording  to  his  pleasure.  I  am,  my  dear  Lydia, 
using  my  utmost  to  obtain  that  self-command 
that  may  enable  me  to  have  every  thought 
brought  into  captivity  to  the  obedience  of 
Christ.  Until  I  gain  this  conquest,  I  despair 
of  walking  worthy  of  my  holy  calling.  W  hen 
the  candle  of  the  Lord  shines  bright  upon  my 
path,  I  am  inclined  to  say  with  the  psalmist, 
"  I  shall  never  be  moved."  In  the  hour  of 
temptation  I  find  how  weak  I  am.  Through 
all  I  have  many  intervals  of  unalloyed  felicity, 
communing  with  Mm  who  remembers  that  I  am 
dust,  and  does  not  require  of  me  more  than  I 
am  able  to  perform. 

I  am  endeavouring  to  enter  with  more  spirit 
into  the  work  of  God.  When  I  consider  the 
immense  value  of  an  immortal  soul,  I  dare  not 
remain  inactive.  I  find  I  shall  surely  suffer 
loss  by  shunning  one  cross.  The  tender-hearted 
Saviour  constantly  admonishes  me  of  the  short- 
ness and  uncertainty  of  life  ;  and  I  am  not  only 
shown  what  I  ought  to  do,  hut  with  what  spirit 
I  ought  to  do  it.  The  more  I  know  of  earth, 
the  less  I  discern  in  it  to  value.  How  does  this 
mortal  frame  press  down  the  soul !  My  spirit 
is  clogged  with  a  body  of  pain  and  weakness; 
but  my  heart  is  cheered  and  gladdened  with 
Jesus'  love  while  writing,  and  I  expect  the  Lord 
will  finally  grant  me  an  abundant  entrance 
into  the  land  of  eternal  life.  In  all  your  devo- 
tions, recollect  your  tempest-tossed  Hannah. 
Never  are  you  forgotten  in  my  feeble  approaches 
to  the  throne  of  grace.     This  will  need  youv 


94  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

forbearance  ;  my  head  is  quite  unfit  for  writing ; 
but  I  can,  with  sincerity,  say  you  are  dear  to 
the  heart  of  your  affectionate  cousin, 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Jan.,  1827. 

Yorn  mind,  my  ever  dear  Lydia,  I  flatter 
myself,  was  fully  satisfied  with  regard  to  my  not 
writing  by  cousin  P.  The  perusal  of  your  let- 
ter caused  my  heart  to  thrill  with  emotions 
of  joy,  and  my  soul  was  filled  with  praise  on 
your  account.  Lydia,  continue  to  believe  sim- 
ply and  constantly,  and  God,  your  Father,  will 
lead  you  beside  the  still  waters  of  consolation. 
Look  up  to  a  present  and  faithful  Deity.  The 
strong  armour  of  unbelief  shall  be  broken  be- 
fore Mm.  May  the  Lord  grant  unto  you,  and 
to  your  cousin  who  is  now  addressing  you.  that 
entire  cleansing  which  the  blood  of  Christ  alono 
can  effect. 

The  first  hours  of  this  year  my  mind  was 
thrown  back  on  the  multiplied  mercies  of  pay 
past  life  ;  and  especially  the  year  which  has 
just  closed,  which  has  been  the  most  peaceful 
and  happy  one  I  ever  passed.  Yet  I  revert 
wiih  deep  regret  to  the  many  golden  moments 
wasted  and  misemployed,  which  I  should  have 
diligently  improved  in  doing  or  receiving  good. 
God  is  my  record,  and  angels  my  witnesses, 
that  I  do  sincerely  and  devoutly  promise,  in  the 
strength  of  my  covenant-keeping  Jehovah,  that 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  95 

the  little  span  of  my  frail  existence  which  may- 
yet  remain  shall  be  employed  in  cutting  oft*  all 
useless  conformity  to,  and  correspondence  with 
this  vain  world,  and  seeking  a  more  intimate 
acquaintance  with  my  Redeemer.  Ah,  Lydia, 
the  few  days  that  have  already  gone  of  1927 
cause  me  to  groan  in  spirit  that  I  have  not 
more  faithfully  fulfilled  my  resolutions  and 
awful  engagements.  I  find  a  few  moments 
spent  in  closely  inspecting  the  hours  of  each 
day,  have  a  tendency  to  quicken  my  devotions. 
"Few  are  the  faults  we  flatter  when  alone." 
My  aim  is  to  have  one  eye  on  death,  and  one 
on  heaven. 

I  lately  attended  a  lovefeast  at  Zoar..  Some 
of  those  Africans  caused  me  to  sink  as  in  the 
dust.  I  was  both  pleased  and  profited.  Many 
professed  to  have  obtained  the  second  blessing 
even  before  they  had  received  any  instruction 
on  the  subject  from  man.  The  Holy  Spirit  con- 
vinced  them  of  the  necessity  of  it  when  they  lived 
in  parts  of  the  country  destitute  of  religious  so- 
ciety. Shall  these  poor  creatures  enter  into  this 
glorious  liberty,  and  we.  who  have  here  a  little, 
and  there  a  great  deal  of  such  advice  as  is  cal- 
culated to  inform  our  judgments  and  affect  our 
hearts,  live  and  die  without  gaining  the  very 
summit  of  Christian  holiness  ?  No !  methinks 
I  hear  you  answer,  "  Though  others  satisfy 
themselves  with  living  on  the  surface,  I  will  con- 
tend for  all  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ." 

My  health  is  not  good, — have  not  been  able 
to  leave  my  room  to-day.     I  have  written  a 


90  LETT^IiS    OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

part  of  my  letter  in  bed.  While  reading  Bax- 
ter's Saints'  Rest,  my  soul  was  fired  with  the 
expectation,  in  a  very  few  years  at  most,  of 
leaving  this  low  earth,  for  the  society  of  Jesus 
and  the  saints  above.  I  feel  nothing  like  set- 
tling  anywhere  short  of  heaven,  or  reposing 
my  soul  on  any  thing  below  God.  Remember 
me  to  all  whom  you  know  I  love,  and  intercede 
earnestly  for  me  at  the  mercy  seat,  which  is  the 
highest  obligation  you  can  confer  on  your 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  March  9,  1827. 
Dearest  Lydia, — A  iew  leisure  moments 
shall  be  employed  in  acknowledging  your  very 
kind  remembrance  of  me,  which  I  esteem  as  a 
fresh  proof  of  your  love.  It  is  very  soothing  to 
my  feelings  to  find  that  I  have  one  friend  whose 
affection  is  not  to  be  lessened  by  either  absence 
or  distance.  I  am  sorry  that  I  have  not  more 
time  to  devote  to  the  pleasing  task  of  laying 
open  my  whole  heart  to  you  ;  for  rely  on  it, 
Lydia,  I  keep  nothing  back  from  you.  I  de- 
light to  repose  every  care  and  desire  on  your 
faithful  bosom.  With  us,  I  am  persuaded 
"thought  meets  thought."  How  sweetly  will 
our  spirits  mingle  in  a  brighter  and  better  world, 
"  where  all  is  calm,  and  joy,  and  peace."  How 
my  soul  swells  with  gratitude  that  my  dear 
cousin  can,  and  does  rejoice  in  God  daily,  and 
delights  in  doing  his  holy  will.     How  shall  we. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  97 

how  can  we  sufficiently  praise  our  Saviour  for 
a  full  and  complete  salvation  which  is  as  free 
as  the  air  we  breathe  !  I  atn  convinced  we  are 
in  an  error  for  not  meditating  more  on  the  srreat 
things  God  hath  wrought  out  for  us.  Let  us, 
Lydia,  dwell  on  the  blessed  theme.  What  is 
ihe  price  with  which  we  have  been  bought  ? — 
even  the  precious  blood  of  our  dear  Immanr.cl. 
It  was  established  by  his  last  agonizing  groan, 
when  he  cried  out,  "It  is  finished  /"  Yes,  and 
the  Gospel  of  Christ  has  been  fully  attested  by 
the  painful  and  shocking  deaths  of  thousands  of 
noble  martyrs,  whose  blood  has  watered  the 
earth.  Reading  the  account  Fox  gives  of  the 
sufferings  of  holy  men,  enabled  me  more  than 
ever  to  realize  the  value  of  a  redemption  which 
has  been  obtained  at  so  dear  a  rate. 

Truly,  dear  L.,  as  your  letter  declares,  life  is 
but  as  opening  flowers,  which  blow  but  to  fade 
and  die  ;  but  our  minds  can  take  a  nobler  flight, 
and  view  by  faith  an  eternity  of  growing  bliss, 
where  we  hope  to  join  with  the  myriads  who 
cease  not  day  nor  night  to  praise  the  great 
Eternal,  triune  God,  for  redeeming  grace  and 
dying  love.  As  it  respects  my  experience,  I 
can  say  the  Lord's  glory  is  my  only  happiness. 
The  way  of  the  cross  is  where  my  soul  most 
prospers.  I  am  astonished  when  I  look  back 
at  the  victories  I  have  gained  over  my  natural 
timidity,  which  you  are  not  ignorant  of.  No- 
thing but  miraculous  grace,  and  the  renovating 
influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  could  have  ena- 
bled me  to  do  such  violence  to  mv  feelings.  I 
7 


98  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING, 

am  grieved  at  the  slow  progress  I  make,  but 
past  aid  encourages  me  to  lean  my  fainting 
head  on  Christ  the  corner  stone.  I  have  at- 
tended  St.  John's  and  Nazareth  lovefeasts. 
The  first  was  not  so  profitable,  which  I  attri- 
buted to  my  silence.  At  Nazareth  I  tried  to 
do  my  duty,  and  the  two  days  following  my 
soul  was  filled  to  overflowing  with  the  consola- 
tions of  grace.  Lydia,  believe  me  ever  your 
affectionate  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Nov.  11,  1827. 
My  Dear  Lydia, — As  usual,  I  cannot  enjoy 
the  leisure  and  quiet  that  is  desirable  when 
communicating  with  the  friend  of  my  heart. 
The  day  is  hastening  on,  when,  in  a  more 
healthful  and  peaceful  region,  our  union  and 
communion  will  be  complete.  Let  us,  my  dear, 
"  walk  thoughtfully  on  the  shore  of  that  vast 
ocean  we  must  sail  so  soon,  and  put  good  works 
on  board,  and  wait  the  wind  that  shortly  blows 
us  into  port."  I  still  retain  the  holy  Comforter 
in  my  soul ;  vet  I  am  far,  far  from  having  all  I 
desire  of  the  mind  of  Christ.  I  see  the*  fulness, 
and  I  am  astonished  that  I  am  not  all  light  in 
the  Lord.  Our  friend,  Eliza  Watkinson,  is  still 
an  inhabitant  of  earth,  but  is  just  ready  to  launch 
into  eternity.  I  saw  her  on  Wednesday  last : 
before  I  left  her,  I  inquired  if  the  Lord  was  still 
her  support  ?  She  replied  that  her  enjoyments 
were  much  greater  than  when  she  was  stronger 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  99 

in  body  ;  that  grace  was  proportioned  accord- 
ing to  her  trial. 

What  is  life,  my  dear  L.,  but  a  sea  of  troubles, 
— an  ocean  of  uncertainty  !  The  longer  I  re- 
main  on  earth,  the  more  highly  I  am  taught  to 
value  religion.  "  What  treasure  untold  is  to  be 
found  in  that  heavenly  word."  It  produced  a 
heavenly  calm  within  the  breast  which  the  world 
cannot  take  away.  May  I  ever  be  enabled  to 
witness  to  the  truth  of  it,  by  perfect  purity  and 
love.  I  have  felt  an  increase  of  grace  since  I 
last  wrote  ;  but  O  !  Lydia,  your  last  letter 
caused  me  to  lick  the  dust.  Did  I  not  know 
that  the  Prince  of  peace  ever  lives  to  plead  my 
cause  with  the  Father,  I  should  give  up  all  as 
lost  ;  but  I  firmly  believe,  that  through  the  rich 
blood  that  Jesus  shed,  my  tempest-tossed  soul 
unit  be  raised  to  heaven.  Dear  cousin,  "  give 
to  the  winds  your  fears."  The  Rock  of  ages, 
cleft  for  us.  will  cover  our  defenceless  heads 
in  the  day  of  battle.  How  many  proofs  have 
you  already  had  of  the  care  of  your  heavenly 
Father.  Do  be  very  careful  of  your  bodilv 
health.  My  heart  shrinks  at  the  idea  of  being 
left  in  this  world  without  your  friendship  and 
sympathy.  Believe  me  ever  your  sincerely 
attached  cousin,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia.  Xov.  HO,  1327. 
My  Dear  L., — With  sensations   of  melan- 
choly I  seat  myself  to  relate  what  has  trans- 


100       LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING 

pired  since  I  last  wrote.  The  Tuesday  after 
cousin  E.  left  the  city,  dear  E.  Watkinson  was 
struck  with  death.  Her  friends,  for  nearly  two 
hours,  thought  that  life  had  nearly  ebbed  out, 
but  to  their  surprise  she  revived,  and  on  the 
day  following  gave  directions  for  her  funeral, 
and  with  the  utmost  composure  told  how  she 
wished  her  effects  disposed  of.  I  saw  her  on 
Wednesday  evening  for  the  last  time.  I  found 
her  perfectly  sensible,  though  unable  to  con- 
verse. She  gave  me  her  hand,  and  called  me 
by  name  ;  but  I  was  forced  to  leave  the  bed  im- 
mediately, as  she  was  struggling  hard  for 
breath.  The  doors  of  the  chamber  were  kept 
open  to  admit  the  air,  and  those  who  moved  her 
had  to  refrain  from  breathing.  Precious  saint ! 
The  last  conflicts  of  expiring  nature  were  pain- 
ful in  the  extreme.  I  seemed  almost  to  enter 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  with  her. 
Sleep  forsook  my  pillow,  while  she  grappled 
with  her  last  foe.  On  Friday  evening  the  con- 
test ceased,  and  her  spirit  burst  the  shackles  of 
mortality,  and  ascended  to  her  God,  and  our 
God.  At  one  time,  when  she  appeared  to  be 
going,  she  said  to  those  around  her,  "  Fight  on, 
my  fellow  soldiers,  fight !"  The  strife  had  not 
yet  ceased  : — she  looked  at  her  mother,  and 
cried  as  in  an  agony,  "  O,  death's  struggles  are 
dreadful!  dreadful!"  Thank  God,  she  left 
testimony  that  the  victory  was  completed.  Her 
last  words  that  could  be  distinguished  were, 
'*  Hallelujah  /—my  Father  /"  On  Saturday  I 
called  to  take   my   final  look  at  her  corpse. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.       101 

Never  before  did  I  gaze  on  a  countenance  so 
serenely  beautiful  in  death!  The  bright  day 
of  eternity  has  now  dawned  (I  mentally  ex- 
claimed)  on  thee,  Eliza,  never  more  to  close. 
How  sudden  the  transition  from  a  state  of  deep- 
est suffering  and  anguish,  to  a  state  of  glory 
and  happiness,  unalloyed  and  eternal,  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  !  According  to  her  request 
her  remains  were  taken  to  Pemberton  for  in- 
terment. I  hope  to  see  the  day  when  I  shall 
visit  the  graves  of  my  two  dear  friends  that  now 
lie  in  that  village.  I  have  realized,  my  Lydia, 
the  dissolution  of  the  body  to  be  a  serious  thing. 
Nature  has  shrunk  at  the  prospect,  but  my 
Lord  dispels  the  gloom.  Then  welcome  the 
tomb.  O,  glory  !  how  delightful  the  prospect. 
Death  is  but  a  shadow,  a  bridge,  a  stepping 
stone  to  that  blissful  abode, — 

"  Where  the  anthems  of  rapture  unceasingly  roll, 
And  the  smile  of  the  Lord  is  the  feast  of  the  soul." 

Our  lovefeast  was  held  on  Tuesday  even- 
ing. If  I  could  have  quieted  my  conscience,  I 
should  have  remained  silent.  The  constant 
aspirations  of  my  soul  were,  "  Lord,  bind  me  to 
thy  bleeding  cross,  and  give  me  strength  and 
courage  to  rear  it."  The  meeting  commenced 
and  ended  just  to  my  mind.  Our  presiding 
elder,  and  members  appeared  to  know  what  the 
Lord  required  of  them.  But  I  am  wasting  the 
midnight  oil  and  my  strength,  and  must  there, 
fore  say  farewell.     Ever  your  affectionate. 

Hannah, 


102  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Jan.  28,  1828. 
My  Dear  Lydia  will  not  have  to  complain 
of  her  letter  remaining  long  unanswered.  I 
sometimes  feel  a  sadness  steal  over  my  mind 
on  reflecting  how  many  hills  rise,  and  rivers 
roll  betwen  us ;  but  when  I  consider  the  ines- 
timable privileges  my  dear  cousin  is  now  blessed 
with  in  New-York,  I  feel  gratitude  swelling  my 
bosom,  especially  as  I  find  you  prize  your 
blessings  so  highly.  How  true  it  is,  that  "  plea- 
sures brighten  as  they  take  their  flight."  I 
expect  shortly  to  be  almost  entirely  shut  out 
from  the  invaluable  public  means  of  grace. 
My  brother-in-law  has  taken  a  house  in  Frank- 
ford,  and,  if  nothing  prevents,  we  shall  move 
there  the  first  of  March.  I  calculate  much  on 
the  opportunity  I  shall  have  of  communing  with 
my  own  heart  in  secret.  My  dear  L.  will  be 
gratified  to  learn  that  Mr.  Force  has  not 
"  laboured  in  vain"  among  his  charge.  More 
than  one  hundred  have  been  admitted  into  the 
Church  since  last  spring.  The  work  is  still 
progressing  in  a  glorious  manner.  At  the  five 
o'clock  meeting,  on  Christmas  morning,  there 
were  more  out  than  we  have  ever  had  since  I 
attended  ;  and  our  watch  night  was  so  crowded 
that  scores  had  to  stand.  Dr.  Sargent  preached 
from,  "  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  I  have  no 
pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked,"  &c ;  after 
which  dear  Bishop  George  exhorted.  The  re- 
mainder of  the  time  was  spent  in  prayer  for  the 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  103 

mourners,  who  crowded  to  the  altar,  and  filled 
the  church  with  their  cries.  Last  evening  I  was 
at  a  lovefeast  in  Salem  church,  and  was  mea- 
surably blessed ;  but  my  body  was  a  great  en. 
cumbrance.  With  delight  I  anticipated  the 
period  when  my  spirit  would  no  more  tire. 
How  rejoiced  I  am  that  frames  and  feelings  are 
not  the  criterion  we  are  to  judge  our  standing 
by.  Many  times  before  we  are  fit  for  devotion. 
we  have  to  wrestle  with  dulness  and  stupidity  ; 
yet  He  v/ho  made  us  remembers  that  we  are 
dust,  and  pities  us  in  our  low  estate.  The  past 
year  has  gone,  with  all  its  changes  of  joy  and 
sorrow.  Friend  after  friend  has  departed  to 
join  the  anthems  of  the  skies.  The  hand  of 
death  will  soon  transplant  us  to  a  more  conge- 
nial soil,  where  life's  dull  vanities  will  no  more 
"  these  anxious  breasts  ensnare." 

We  know,  dear  L.,  in  whom  we  trust, — 
*i  his  call  we  follow  to  the  land  unknown,  and 
turn  our  eye  of  faith  undaunted  on  the  tomb." 
I  have  been  led  for  some  days  past  into  a  close 
investigation  of  my  state.  I  still  have  heart- 
felt union  with  the  holy  God.  If  time  would 
admit,  I  would  gladly  recount  the  mercies  that 
have  marked  my  path.  I  am  under  ten  thou- 
sand obligations  to  render  God  an  oblation  of 
all  my  soul  and  body's  powers.  May  our 
Father  seal  us  his  for  ever.     Yours, 

Hannah. 


104  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Jan.  13,  1829. 

Although  I  have  so  recently  written  to  my 
dear  Lydia,  I  feel  inclined  to  seize  on  the  first 
leisure  moment,  to  say  how  grateful  your  letter 
was  to  me  this  evening.  I  felt  great  liberty  in 
urging  my  dear  class  to  embrace  religion,  and 
make  a  friend  of  Christ,  ere  I  am  parted  from 
them.  Could  you  feel  what  I  feel,  in  being 
torn  from  my  interesting  charge,  I  am  sure  you 
would  pity  me.  An  attachment  of  eight  years 
is  not  easily  severed.  C.  M'N.  told  me  she 
had  fixed  upon  a  person  to  take  my  place.  I 
could  scarce  refrain  from  answering  her  with 
my  tears.  Mr.  Force  preached  a  soothing 
sermon.  At  the  close,  he  dwelt  largely  on  the 
triumph  the  faithful  Christian  obtained  over 
death.  I  was  meditating  on  the  victory  our 
Eliza  had  won,  when  he  mentioned  her  as  a 
dying  witness,  and  repeated  her  last  words.  It 
was  with  difficulty  f  could  suppress  the  emo- 
tions of  my  full  soul.  This  afternoon  we  held 
our  monthly  prayer  meeting  with  our  scholars. 
I  forced  myself  to  go,  but  implored  the  Lord 
to  spare  me  ;  yet  the  cross  was  laid  upon  me, 
which,  in  great  bodily  weakness,  I  endeavoured 
to  lift  ;  after  which,  Z.  White  and  myself 
visited  the  sick  until  dark. 

What  cause  have  I  for  thankfulness,  that  the 
Most  High  ever  clears  my  way  before  me,  and 
overturns  mountains  of  difficulty.  I  am  often 
led  to  wonder  at  myself.     Sure  never  a  more 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  105 

timid  soul  existed.  To  grace  I  am  an  immense 
debtor.  Dear  L.,  I  do  daily  discover  such 
beauty  and  sweetness  in  the  all-sufficient  Good 
as  charms  and  overpowers  every  affection  of 
my  soul.  I  have  felt  more  anxious  than  usual 
to  hear  from  you.  Several  times  you  have 
been  the  subject  of  my  night  visions.  I 
dreamed  you  had  taken  your  flight  to  the  New 
Jerusalem,  the  saints'  everlasting  abode.  Ah, 
Lydia  !  I  cannot  paint  the  utter  loneliness  my 
poor  heart  experienced  : — how  was  I  relieved 
on  awaking  to  find  it  not  reality.  Do  not,  my 
dear,  indulge  in  those  forebodings  of  future 
evils.  Struggle  against  those  discouraging 
fears  which  augment  the  difficulties  of  the  way. 
God  hath  committed  the  keeping  of  your  soul 
to  his  Son.  How  are  you  blessed  in  the  society 
of  your  fond  mother.  You  are  privileged 
beyond  me  in  this  respect ;  but  hush !  my 
murmurings  : — my  heavenly  Father's  smile 
makes  up  for  every  deficiency.  I  am  thankful 
to  find  that  my  dear  cousin  has  a  Friend  who 
sustains  her,  and  carries  all  her  burdens.  I 
am  persuaded  God  will  always  be  with  you, 
and  make  your  weakness  more  than  conquer. 
Believe  me  as  ever  yours,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Frankford,  March  28,  1&23. 
My  Dear  Cousin  Lydia, — It  always  gives 
me  pleasure  to  hear  from  you,  especially  after 
so  long  a  silence.     I  began  to  feel  quite  de- 


106  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

pressed  in  not  receiving  a  letter  from  you 
sooner  ;  yet  my  heart  is  still  united  to  you  in 
bonds  of  love,  too  strong  to  be  weakened  by 
time  or  distance.  My  soul  is  penetrated  with 
the  deepest  gratitude  for  the  sustaining  grace 
kind  Heaven  has  afforded  me  during  the  scene 
of  pain  and  turmoil  I  have  been  called  to  pass 
through.  Although  I  was  never  so  completely 
exhausted,  still  my  mind  was  not  uncentred. 

Well  might  the  intelligence  of  my  friend 
Mary's  departure  to  the  regions  of  eternity 
strike  you  with  solemn  suprise.  The  evening 
before  she  was  taken  ill  she  read  the  parable 
of  the  ten  virgins,  and  sung  the  first  and  third 
verses  of  the  hymn  that  begins  with,  "  The 
Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare,"  &c.  After 
remaining  some  time  in  silent  devotion,  she 
rose  from  her  knees,  and  told  Zipporah  that 
she  could  not  pray,  as  all  her  prayer  was 
turned  to  praise.  This  employment,  in  which 
I  have  so  often  united  with  her,  is  now  to  be 
commensurate  with  eternity.  "  A  perpetuity 
of  bliss  is  bliss"  indeed.  I  have  lost  an  inva- 
luable friend  in  Mary ;  one  who  has  often 
favoured  me  with  her  counsels  and  reproofs. 
I  find  many  who  are  ready  to  commend,  but 
too  few  who  are  willing  to  point  out  my  errors. 
But  it  is  all  over  now  :  I  have  followed  her  to 
the  house  appointed  for  all  the  living.  I  saw 
her  remains  committed  to  their  original  dust  in 
the  Academy  yard.  I  looked  while  they  co- 
vered her  with  the  damp  soil  and  the  solid 
clods  of  the  valley.     I  turned  away,  and  shnd- 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  107 

dered  to  think  that  the  worms  would  now  crowd 
into  her  silent  abode.  But  why  need  I  indulge 
in  sorrow  and  tears  ?  The  spirit  is  not  there  : 
it  has  "sprung  to  its  Source,  the  bosom  of  its 
God."  I  feel  that  this  sudden  stroke  has  had 
its  influence  on  my  heart.  I  never  felt  so  for- 
cibly that  the  slender  thread  of  my  life  is  liable 
to  be  broken  by  every  breeze.  Would  to  God 
I  could  ever  be  found  upon  my  guard,  and 
watching  unto  prayer.  Ah  !  my  dearest  Lydia, 
how  unlike  am  I  to  my  Redeemer  in  meek- 
ness, humility,  patience,  and  every  grace.  I 
long  to  have  his  fair  image  fully  stamped  on 
my  soul. 

Perhaps  you  may  wish  to   know  how  I  am 
pleased  with  my  change  of  residence.     This  I 
can  say,  that  it  has  already  been  rendered  sacred 
by  the  presence  of  my  adorable  Saviour. 
"  Where'er  I  am,  where'er  I  move, 
I  meet  the  object  of  my  love." 

I  am  dying  to  the  creature :  I  have  learned 
the  instability  of  all  earthly  enjoyments,  and 
can  view  with  indifference  this  world's  low  va- 
nities. My  aim  is  now  to  seek  the  high  and 
holy  intercourse  with  God  in  my  chamber,  as 
many  of  the  outward  means  are  denied  me. 
You  know,  Lydia,  I  am  a  warm  admirer  of  na- 
ture. I  now  have  an  opportunity  of  beholding 
her  in  her  loveliest  garb.  Our  house  is  every 
thing  I  could  desire.  I  often  anticipate  the 
pleasure  I  shall  enjoy  in  your  society  here  this 
summer.  Do  not  think  of  my  meeting  you  at 
Hilton,  unless  you  comply  with  my  request.    I 


108  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

have  felt  my  mortality  of  late  :  my  side  and 
breast  remind  me  that  I  should  be  a  stranger 
and  pilgrim  on  earth. 

I  cannot  say  how  glad  I  am  you  prize  your 
privileges  so  highly  in  New- York.  O,  my  Ly- 
dia,  expect  continually  the  direct  witness  of  the 
Spirit.  Lay  all  your  reasonings  at  the  Re- 
deemer's feet.  It  hath  never  entered  into  our 
hearts  to  conceive  the  heaven  of  love  we  might 
possess  in  our  present  state  of  being. 
"  Saviour,  to  our  hearts  be  near, 
Exercise  the  Shepherd's  care." 

What  an  ever  varying  scene  is  life !  Do 
cheer  me  often  with  your  letters.  There  are 
some  charming  walks  aroand  this  village  which 
would  delight  you.     As  ever,  yours, 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

Frankford,  Aug.  20,  1828. 
My  Beloved  Cousin  Lydia, — I  find  myself 
inadequate  to  the  task  of  writing,  as  my  bodv 
is  suffering  from  indisposition,  and  lean  scarcely 
sit  up  ;  therefore  you  must  make  every  allow- 
ance. I  have  been,  for  some  time  past,  jealous 
over  myself,  lest  the  former  gifts  of  God  should 
have  been  received  in  vain,  by  my  stopping 
short  of  the  blessings  Jesus  has  designed  for  me 
to  possess.  This  impression  drove  me  to  ago- 
nize for  a  renewal  of  the  signature  of  love  Di- 
vine. Glory  to  my  covenant  God,  whose  solemn 
vows  are  upon  me,  I  did  not  plead  in  vain. 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  109 

The  Lord  stamped  me  afresh  with  the  Spirit's 
seal.  Never  could  I  cry  out  with  greater  con- 
fidence, that  "  what  sinners  value,  I  resign." 
It  is  enough  for  me  to  know  that  God  is  mine, 
and  I  am  his.  How  much  I  desire  to  go  hence, 
and  to  be  no  more  seen  as  an  inhabitant  of 
earth.  I  cannot  help  being  glad  to-night  that 
I  am  nearer  heaven  than  when  I  first  believed. 
Do,  dearest  L.,  pray  that  my  general  conver- 
sation may  show  a  mind  mortified  to  the  world, 
and  devoted  to  Immanuel,  and  that  I  may  obtain 
an  entire  restoration  from  the  ruins  of  the  fall. 

The  keenest  sensibilities  of  my  heart  were 
awakened  on  perusing  your  precious  letter. 
There  is  nothing  of  an  earthly  nature  that  I  so 
much  desire  as  the  society  of  my  Lydia.  Then 
I  could  enter  into  a  particular  detail  of  Black- 
wood camp  meeting,  &c,  where  I  unexpectedly 
met  with  dear  Mary  Ann.  From  her  I  learned 
the  account  of  your  declining  health.  O,  Ly- 
dia, my  fears  are  all  awake.  The  pure  air  of 
your  native  hills  will  much  better  suit  a  consti- 
tution which  is  already  too  much  impaired  to  be 
trifled  with.  "  The  feast  of  reason  and  flow  of 
soul"  that  I  enjoy  with  a  few  individuals  I  es- 
teem as  a  rich  boon  of  Heaven.  "What  is  this 
sublunary  world  ?  A  vapour  !  a  vapour  all  it 
holds  :  too  low  they  build  who  build  below  the 
stars." 

I  felt  very  much  like  saying,  "  Glory  to  God  !" 
when  I  met  with  Budd  Sterling  at  the  camp 
meeting  ;  for  a  more  complete  transformation 
I  never  witnessed  in  any  one.     The  expression 


110  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

of  his  countenance,  and  plain  appearance,  be- 
speak  the  devoted  follower  of  the  Lamb.  Our 
tent  was  in  nearly  the  same  spot  where  he  ob- 
tained the  pearl  of  incalculable  worth.  This 
sacred  wood  awakened  many  tender  recollec- 
tions. It  was  there,  for  the  last  time  on  earth, 
I  united  with  my  dear  Eliza  and  Mary  to  wor- 
ship the  Holy  One  of  Israel.  In  the  grove  I 
oftentimes  felt  as  though  their  sainted  spirits 
hovered  near.  I  never  commenced  a  meeting 
with  a  mind  so  entirely  recollected.  During 
the  first  few  days  it  appeared  as  though  I  should 
weep  my  life  away  on  account  of  my  unfruit- 
fulness.  The  preachers  all  seemed  to  aim  at 
arousing  professors  to  seek  for  a  fulness  of 
love  to  God.  In  a  prayer  meeting,  where  many 
"were  rejoicing  on  Friday  evening,  I  could  only 
groan  for  inward  -purity  and  personal  holiness. 
Every  thread  of  my  handkerchief  was  wet  with 
tears  of  contrition.  I  went  into  the  congrega- 
tion  with  a  weight  resting  on  me  that  was  new. 
It  was  a  solemn  struggle  of  the  soul  to  obtain 
faith  without  a  mixture  of  unbelief,  and  a  con- 
fidence free  from  all  fear.  On  Monday  I  ob- 
tained such  a  draught  from  the  rock  as  enabled 
me  to  approach  the  Saviour  with  faith,  free- 
dom, reverence,  and  love.  The  manifestations 
I  had  on  that  day  will  not  soon  be  obliterated 
from  my  memory. 

I  am  happy  to  learn  that  my  dear  cousin's 
path  is  shining  brighter.  Rely  on  it,  discou- 
ragement is  an  exceeding  hindcrance  to  spi- 
ritual  fervency  and   affection  ;  and   a   writer 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  Ill 

says,  "We  dishonour  the  Saviour  when  we 
make  our  depravity  greater  than  his  merit  and 
sufficiency." 

We  have  much  of  the  presence  of  God  here, 
but  this  is  not  heaven.  Now  we  have  this 
treasure  in  earthen  vessels.  While  in  the  body 
we  must  calculate  on  being  the  subjects  of  tempt- 
ation, disappointment,  and  pain. 

Shall  we  not  meet  at  Crosswicks  ?  I  will 
indulge  the  hope.  My  warmest  love  and  sym- 
pathies to  my  dear  cousins  J.  and  E.  Their 
tears  must  cease  to  flow  when  they  reflect  that 
their  dear  little  innocent  was  taken  from  the 
evil  to  come.  May  I  presume  on  the  favour  of 
a  few  lines  on  the  receipt  of  this  ?  Believe  me, 
as  ever,  yours,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Franhford,  Oct.  10,  1828. 

I  have  my  fears  that  my  dear  cousin  has 
concluded,  ere  this,  that  new  scenes  and  faces 
have,  in  a  measure,  effaced  her  from  my  me- 
mory. This  thought  pains.  After  my  return 
from  Crosswicks  I  was  quite  ill. 

Ah  !  my  Lydia,  I  never  so  sensibly  realized 
the  slender  hold  I  have  on  life.  Sister  K.  has 
a  violent  cough,  and  is  never  well.  When  I 
reflect  how  many  have  been  hurried  into  a 
world  of  spirits  during  this  sickly  season,  I 
am  constrained  to  say,  What  are  we,  o*  our 
fathers'  houses,  that  God  hath  such  respect 
unto  us  ? 


112  LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUXT1XG. 

Your  letters,  dear  L.,  have  been  a  great  so- 
lace  to  me.  May  our  God  repay  you  tenfold, 
as  I  am  quite  incapable  of  doing  them  justice. 
I  was  glad  to  learn  that  you  had  been  to  Cro- 
ton  camp  meeting.  I  felt  as  though  you  were 
there,  and  daily  offered  up  my  requests  to  the 
Hearer  of  prayer,  that  you  might  obtain  all 
that  your  ardent  soul  desired.  The  weapons 
of  your  warfare  are  not  carnal.  I  trust  to  hear 
you  testify,  this  is  the  victory,  even  your  faith 
in  the  word  and  oath  of  Jehovah. 

The  account  you  gave  of  the  last  night's  scene 
at  Croton  deeply  interested  me.  I  almost  fan- 
cied I  saw  and  heard  Mr. ,  when  he  offered 

himself  up  as  a  willing  sacrifice  for  poor  sin- 
ners. Never  was  I  so  much  in  favour  of  camp 
meetings,  for  never  Mas  my  soul  so  profited  by 
them  as  during  the  past  summer.  The  one 
held  at  Chester  was,  without  exception,  the  best 
I  ever  attended.  Mr.  E.  R.  preached  the  first 
sermon,  from,  "  0  that  there  were  such  a  heart 
in  them,"  &c.  During  his  first  prayer  the 
heavens  seemed  to  open,  and  pour  upon  him 
the  great  salvation.  From  a  full  soul  he  de- 
declared  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  him.  After 
him  four  preachers  rose  in  succession,  and  pro- 
fessed to  be  living  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  same 
blessing.  Mr.  P.  preached  on  Wednesday, 
and  many  were  cut  to  the  heart.  His  voice  is 
just  suited  to  preach  to  thousands.  His  text 
was,  "  Be  ye  also  ready."  An  old  woman  of 
seventy,  under  deep  convictions,  came  trem- 
bling into  the  altar.     I  gave  her  my  place  to 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  113 

kneel :  she  did  not  rise  till  God  had  released  her 
from  the  burden  of  sin.  This  was  a  glorious  day. 

Thursday,  I  went  into  the  altar  at  eight 
o'clock,  and  continued  there  until  past  one. 
What  I  experienced  during  this  time  language 
cannot  describe. 

Friday,  Mr.  Doughty  preached  his  last  ser- 
mon, and  finished  his  labours.  The  description 
he  gave  of  the  manner  in  which  a  Christian 
should  die  affected  me  much.  The  next  day 
he  was  seized  with  the  disease  which  termi- 
nated his  mortal  career.  A  short  time  before 
his  departure  he  told  his  friends  that  the  com- 
fortable truths  of  that  Gospel  he  had  preached 
to  others  were  his  only  support  in  the  hour  of 
trial.  Just  before  he  breathed  his  last,  on  be- 
ing asked  what  his  prospects  were,  he  said  they 
were  "blessed." 

Mr.  Force  had  us  assembled  at  the  hour  of 
twilight  every  evening  for  prayer  in  our  tent. 
These  were  seasons  I  wish  never  to  forget.  I 
was  led  to  inquire  why  the  mourners  were  not 
all  comforted.  If  ever  I  laid  hold  on  the  horns 
of  the  altar,  it  was  then.  There  T  agonized  for 
the  fulfilment  of  the  promise,  "  Where  the  Spi- 
rit of  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty."  "  The  moun- 
tains flowed  down  at  the  presence  of  God." 
My  soul  was  filled  with  holy  love  and  humble 
joy.  The  Divine  presence  was  universally  felt. 
The  song  of  deliverance  from  the  iron  bondage 
of  unbelief  burst  from  the  hearts  of  many  peni- 
tents, who  had  long  sought  with  weeping,  down- 
cast eyes,  the  favour  of  their  offended  Judge. 
8 


114  LETTERS   OF  MISS   HUNTING. 

Crosswicks  meeting  you  have  no  doubt 
heard  from.  I  would  only  say,  I  felt  your 
absence;  but  the  presence  of  Jesus  cheered 
me  during  my  stay  on  a  spot  hallowed  by  the 
recollections  of  former  days.  I  regretted  not 
having  more  of  the  company  of  dear  H.  Since 
my  return  I  have  been  privileged  to  hear  Mr. 
H.  preach  several  sermons.  Grateful  tears 
till  my  eyes  when  I  reflect  on  the  benefit  I 
derived  from  those  discourses.  I  do  indeed 
sigh  to  be  free.  Yes,  dear  Lydia,  while  I 
write,  I  possess  the  Spirit's  sure  witness,  that 
in  a  very  short  time,  glory  to  God!  you  and  I 
shall,  in  his  dear  image,  arise  from  the  tomb, 
with  glorious  millions,  to  praise  him  at  honie,-r 
"  Home, — home, — sweet  home  ! 
Prepare  us,  dear  Saviour,  for  glory,  our  home." 

I  know  not  how  to  say  farewell.     Do  you 
not  intend  to  visit  me  in  the  long  winter,  if  we 
are  spared  to  see  it  ?     I  am,  as  ever,  yours, 
Hannah. 

To  the  Same, 

Franhford,  Dec.  19,  1828. 
With  propriety  my  dear  Lydia  may  feel 
surprised  at  my  not  answering  her  unmerited 
letter  which  1  have  this  day  received.  It  re- 
mained two  weeks  in  Philadelphia  before  it 
was  sent  to  Frankford.  My  cousin  does  in- 
deed enjoy  glorious  privileges,  and  I  adore 
God  that  you  are  improving  them,  though  hun- 
dreds of  professors  use  them  to  their  own  con- 
demnation.    Such  a  patient  perseverance  as 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.      115 

you  have  pursued,  will  not  fail  of  meeting  with 
a  triumphant  reward  in  heaven. 

I  must,  at  your  request,  say  something 
respecting  our  infant  society  in  Frankford. 
The  first  Sabbath  after  you  left  we  had  an  ex- 
cellent class  meeting.  Mr.  Mosely  was  with 
us.  The  meeting  was  led  by  a  Mr.  P.,  who 
has  lately  moved  near  this  place.  I  believe  he 
was  sent  to  us  by  that  same  benevolent  Being 
who,  when  on  earth,,  delighted  to  visit  destitute 
villages.  The  week  following  Mr.  I.  came, 
and  had  a  large  congregation  afternoon  and 
evening.     He  both  pleased  and  profited    me. 

The  next  appointment    Mr.    filled,  and 

annoyed  me  with  his  attempts  at  Greek.  I  was 
rejoiced  to  hear  Mr.  C.  again,  the  brother  who 
was  here  when  you  were  with  us.  He  led  the 
class,  and  a  young  lad  and  Miss  E.  remained. 
They  will,  I  think,  both  join  with  us.  I  am 
inclined  to  think  my  feeble  cries  have  reached 
the  ears  of  the  Lord  of  Sabaoth,  in  granting 
me  a  female  companion  here,  to  cheer  my 
lonely  pathway.  She  has  been  my  kind  as- 
sistant in  raising  a  Methodist  Sabbath  school. 
We  called  at  every  house  that  we  thought 
advisable.  O,  Lydia,  my  heart  sunk  within 
me  on  learning  how  many  who  have  the  pure 
Gospel  brought  to  their  doors,  wilfully  neglect 
to  worship  the  living  God.  We  invited  every 
family  to  come  to  our  meetings,  which  has 
greatly  increased  the  number  of  hearers.  The 
school  has  been  formed  but  one  week  :  twenty- 
eight  children  have  entered  their  names.     I 


116  LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

wish  time  would  admit  of  my  entering  into  a 
minute  detail  of  our  adventures  in  searching 
after  these  young  immortals.  It  is  an  employ, 
ment  I  would  wish  to  spend  my  life's  short 
day  in.  I  met  with  several  members  of  our 
Church,  who  interested  me  with  accounts  of 
their  spiritual  welfare. 

I  have  only  given  you  the  fair  side  of  the 
picture.  The  obstacles  that  are  often  laid  in 
my  way  appear  almost  insurmountable  ;  and  a 
knowledge  of  my  own  incapacity  prostrates  me 
at  the  feet  of  sovereign  mercy.  Every  particle 
of  my  faith  is  now  put  to  the  test.  I  must  so- 
licit your  ardent  prayers. 

Last  week  I  went  into  Philadelphia  to  attend 
the  Academy  lovefeast,  which  I  have  not  done 
before  since  Mr.  Lybrand  left  the  city.  My 
timid  nature  would  fain  have  framed  an  excuse 
to  remain  at  home.  I  had  many  things  to  pre- 
vent me  from  going,  but  I  went ;  and  was 
enabled  to  appear  as  a  fool  before  men  through 
the  constraining  influence  of  the  love  of  Christ, 

I  read  the  account  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Law- 
rence in  the  Advocate,  and  thought  of  you, 
which  is  no  uncommon  thing  when  I  am  pe-* 
rusing  the  interesting  pages  of  that  paper.  I, 
and  E.  have  given  me  a  strong  proof  of  their 
love  ;  I  only  regret  they  could  not  stay  longer 
with  us.  I  feel  my  heart  bound  to  them  by 
new  ties  of  gratitude. 

Endeavour,  my  dearest  L.,  to  rise  above 
your  fears,  both  with  respect  to  yourself  and 
others,     Cast  all  your  care  on  Him  who  is  your 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.      117 

sure,  unerring  friend.  I  believe  both  our 
souls  would  wither,  did  not  the  rough  winds 
sometimes  arise  to  blow  away  the  dust  from 
our  branches. 

I  have  heard  from  Baltimore  since  I  last 
wrote.  Mrs.  B.,  a  dear  saint  with  whom  I 
became  acquainted  there,  has,  since  I  left, 
been  afflicted  with  a  cancer  in  her  breast. 
She  has  submitted  to  an  operation.  When  the 
physician  was  excited  to  tears  on  witnessing  her 
sufferings,  she  calmly  said,  "  The  cup  which  my 
Father  hath  given  me,  shall  I  not  drink  it  ?"  My 
prayers  you  know  are  offered  to  the  giver  of 
every  perfect  gift  for  you.  May  they  be  answered 
to  the  consolation  of  your  spirit.         Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

Frankford,  Feb.  18,  1829. 
My  Dear  Cousin  Lydia, — Your  letter  I 
received,  and  shall  endeavour  to  lose  no  time 
in  answering  it.  My  tenderest  sympathies  were 
excited  on  hearing  the  series  of  afflictions  that 
had  befallen  friends  I  so  much  love.  I  had 
not  heard  a  sentence  from  New-York  or  Cross- 
wicks  since  cousin  I.  was  here.  You  may 
suppose  my  mind  was  anxious.  I  asked  God 
frequently  in  prayer  to  grant  me  the  favour  of 
a  letter.  In  this,  as  in  many  other  instances, 
I  have  proved  the  truth  of  the  promise.  The 
Lord  grant  that  you  and  I,  my  dear  L.,  may 
daily  so  live  in  the  exercise  of  prayer,  as  will 
enable  us  to  possess  that  holy  resolution  of 


118  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

soul  that  is  essential  to  prepare  us  firmly  to  bear 
the  cross  on  all  occasions,  and  in  all  compa- 
nies. I  give  glory  to  God  that  the  tenor  of 
your  letter  discovers  that  you  are  getting  on 
the  track  I  so  ardently  desired  you  should. 
What  an  inestimable  blessing  to  know  how  to 
look  to  that  all-sufficient  Jesus,  who  hath  said, 
"  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect."  While  you 
gaze  on  his  loveliness,  may  all  the  powers  of 
your  soul  be  taken  up  with  God,  and  the  things 
of  God.  You  do  well  to  unite  with  those  de- 
voted sisters.  It  will  prove  of  infinite  advan- 
tage  to  you. 

During  the  past  winter  I  have  endeavoured 
to  acknowledge  the  Lord  whenever  an  oppor- 
tunity offered.  Bless  his  holy  name,  he  has 
not  left  me  without  Divine  aid.  Covenant 
class,  and  several  lovefeasts,  have  been  pre- 
cious seasons.  I  made  a  sacrifice  of  my  natu- 
ral feelings ;  my  shyness  and  timidity  were 
conquered,  and  the  strength  of  the  Lord  was 
perfected  in  my  weakness.  I  am  not  ignorant 
that  my  heart  and  performances  need  daily  a 
fresh  washing  in  the  blood  of  Jesus.  When  I 
survey  the  height  of  enjoyment  a  Christian  may 
attain,  my  soul  kindles  with  new  ardour  to 
grasp  a  larger  measure  of  every  grace  of  the 
Spirit.  I  know  there  never  was  a  period  of  my 
life  when  my  soul  was  so  weaned  from  sublu- 
nary good.  I  am  well  assured  what  world  I 
am  most  concerned  for,  and  what  things  most 
interest  me,     The  cause  of  Christ  is  dearer  to 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  110 

me  than  all  the  world  beside.  The  desire  I 
experience  for  the  salvation  of  my  fellow  mor- 
tals who  are  deeply  degraded  by  sin,  is  inex- 
pressible. I  have  been  frequent  and  fervent  at 
the  mercy  seat,  praying  for  the  conversion  of 
thousands.  Especially  have  I  struggled  to 
hold  the  Lord  to  that  promise,  "  Ask  what  ye 
will  in  my  name,  and  it  shall  be  granted." 
How  wretched  should  I  be  if  there  was  no 
God  to  fly  to  in  secret. 

We  still  have  a  very  cheering  prospect  of  a 
revival  in  this  village.  Many  are  awakened  to 
see  themselves  guilty  in  the  sight  of  God. 
Our  Sabbath  school  is  very  interesting.  I 
never  feel  more  in  my  element  than  when 
with  those  dear  children.  My  heart  aches  at 
leaving  them  and  the  society  here,  though  of 
course  I  cannot  but  be  gratified  at  the  prospect 
of  returning  to  a  circle  of  long  known  and 
highly  esteemed  friends.  If  ever  I  partook  of 
the  feelings  of  a  missionary,  it  has  been  while 
visiting  families  who  live  in  every  direction 
around  this  place,  as  if  there  were  no  God 
taking  cognizance  of  their  actions.  When  we 
meet  I  hope  to  give  you  some  account  of  my 
adventures. 

The  severe  weather  we  have  had  has  tried 
my  slender  frame.  My  side  is  much  affected, 
and  my  throat  also.  Nothing  keeps  me  so 
effectually  loose  from  earth  as  bodily  affliction. 
I  expect  to  be  called  to  drink  deep  draughts 
of  it.  I  have  no  idea  my  faith  will  fail  in  the 
furnace. 


120      LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

"  Welcome  sweet  hour  of  full  discharge, 
That  sets  our  longing-  souls  at  large  ; 
Unbinds  our  chains,  breaks  up  our  cell, 
And  gives  us  with  our  God  to  dwell." 

Father  Hood  has,  ere  this,  gone  to  bask  in  the 
full  fruition  of  glory,  and  join  with  those  veterans 
of  the  cross  who  exult  around  the  throne  of  God. 
Sixty  years  he  has  panted  for  the  skies.  I 
called  to  take  a  last  look  at  him  a  few  days 
since.  Never  before  did  I  see  one  favoured 
with  such  constant  ecstaeies.  Farewell : — 
what  a  thrill  of  pleasure  warms  my  heart  to 
think  that  soon  we  shall  meet  to  part  no  more. 
Ever  your  affectionate  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  May  14,  1829. 

My  Beloved  Lydia's  letter  arrived  at  a 
very  acceptable  time,  when  my  body  and  spi- 
rits were  worn  down  by  moving. 

Could  I  have  overruled  events,  I  should  not 
have  delayed  writing  until  this  late  date.  It  is 
a  mercy,  and  not  a  small  one,  that  "  distance 
can  never  change  the  heart ;  the  pleasing  ties 
of  friendship  rend."  No,  my  dear  cousin,  those 
ties  are  rather  strengthened,  than  weakened ; 
and  though  so  far  removed,  my  heart  has  often 
beat  with  anxiety,  lest  the  series  of  affliction 
your  family  have  passed  through,  may  have 
been  more  than  your  slender  frame  can  bear 
without  injury.  But  I  am  comforted  with  the 
assurance  that  you  are  in  the  hands  of  a  gra- 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  121 

xous  God,  who  causes  all  things  to  work  toge- 
ther for  good  to  those  that  love  him.  Go, 
dearest  L.,  onward  and  upward  in  the  same 
course  you  appeared  to  be  in  when  last  you 
wrote  ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  you  will — 
"  Deeper  sink,  and  higher  rise, 
And  to  perfection  grow." 

For  some  time  past  my  feeble  body  has 
been  put  out  of  order  by  affliction.  May  the 
rod  thoroughly  fit  me  for  the  Master's  use. 
O  pray,  dear  L.,  that  I  may  from  this  time 
forth  have  grace  clieerfully  to  surmount  the 
daily  difficulties  of  life  ;  that  the  everlasting 
arms  may  encompass  me  while  passing  through 
"  the  furnace  fires."  I  dare  not  repine  under 
the  ravages  of  disease  and  pain.  No,  it  would 
ill  become  me  to  refuse  the  state  my  Master 
designed  for  me.  But  what  manner  of  per- 
son ought  I  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and 
godliness, — who  "  such  a  strict  account  must 
give."  My  highest  aim  is,  while  I  inhabit  this 
house  of  clay,  to  realize,  in  the  fullest  sense  of 
the  expression,  a  "  life  hid  with  Christ  in  God." 
As  a  branch  derives  life  from  the  tree,  even  so 
does  my  dependent  soul  from  Jesus.  I  am  sel- 
dom joyful ;  but,  glory  to  the  Saviour  of  sinful 
men,  I  am  never  left  comfortless.  I  desire  a 
daily  increase  in  strength,  that  I  may  hold  fast 
a  good  profession,  without  wavering,  unto  the 
end. 

The  time  seems  tediously  long  since  we 
met ;  but  religion  cements  the  bond  of  our 
friendship.     The  time  is  not  distant  when  we 


122  LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING. 

shali  join  with  those  of  our  friends  who  have 
already  reached  the  peaceful  harbour,  and  are 
now  ascribing  salvation  to  God  and  the  Lamb. 
Tell  my  dear  cousin  I.,  that  I  love  him  too 
well  to  be  willing  that  he  should  live  without 
an  experimental  knowledge  of  God.  I  want 
him  to  go  to  Mount  Zion  ;  and  tell  E.  I  expect 
to  meet  her  on  its  everlasting  heights,  where 
we  shall  together  sing  of  God's  redeeming  love. 
Surely  our  life  passes  away  as  a  "  tale  that 
is  told."  Do  we  not  feel  ourselves  as  strangers 
far  from  home  ?  But  as  we  are  travelling 
through  this  world,  we  can  and  do  look  for- 
ward to  a  better  country,  which  faith  displays 
to  our  wondering  sight.  I  must  now  say  fare. 
well.  Believe  me,  as  ever,  your  tenderly 
affectionate  Hannah. 


Tc  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Nov.  29,  1829. 
My  Dear  Cousin, — I  had  not  the  most  dis- 
tant idea  when  we  parted  that  such  a  length  of 
time  would  elapse  ere  it  would  be  in  my  power 
to  address  a  line  to  you.  It  would  be  super- 
fluous to  offer  any  apology  for  not  sooner  pour- 
ing into  your  friendly  bosom  my  joys  and  sor- 
rows. I  have  had  my  share  of  each  since  I 
saw  you ;  but  my  Saviour,  I  am  sensible, 
"  watches  every  numbered  hair,  and  all  my  steps 
attends."  I  feel  disposed  here  to  give  glory  to 
his  name,  that  "  he  teaches  my  hands  to  war, 
and  my  fingers  to  fight."     Since  we  separated 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING;  123 

my  design  has  been  more  than  ever  with  stead- 
fast eye  to  mark  every  step.  It  was  said  of 
the  Lamb  of  God,  "  He  was  oppressed,  afflicted ; 
yet  he  opened  not  his  mouth."  I  tremble  when 
I  observe  how  I  have  failed  in  showing  forth  a 
patient  spirit  while  harrassed  by  numerous  per- 
plexing occurrences  which  have  followed  in  a 
train  for  some  time  past.  I  detect  my  frail 
nature  revolting  at  pain.  Rest  I  am  resolved 
to  be  a  stranger  to,  until  I  can  not  only  suffer 
willingly,  but  be  enabled  by  grace  to  glory  in 
tribulations.  The  Lord  my  keeper  has  stood 
M  omnipotently  nigh"  since  I  have  been  passing 
through  this  furnace  of  temptation  and  sorrow  ; 
and  I  have  lost  nothing  but  the  filth  of  self  and 
pride.  Often  have  I  recurred  to  the  conversa- 
tion held  on  our  way  from  the  Haverstraw 
camp  meeting.  How  cheering,  how  profitable 
is  an  interchange  of  Christian  feeling.  I  re- 
joice that  I  have  in  any  measure  attained  to 
that  sober,  chastened,  dependent  frame  of  mind, 
which  enables  me  to  leave  events  with  God. 

Lydia,  why  will  you  thus  give  place  to  the 
tempter.  Your  religion,  though  silent  in  its 
operation,  is  great  in  benefit ;  and  there  are 
times  and  seasons  when  the  Lord  requires  you 
to  leave  your  beloved  obscurity,  and  be  num- 
bered among  his  faithful  witnesses.  Who  is 
there  to  bear  testimony  of  the  religion  of  Jesus 
if  his  followers  refuse  1  God  grant  that  you 
and  I  may  be  obedient,  and  willingly  do  violence 
to  our  feelings,  that  we  may  eat  the  good  of  the 
land.     When  we  are  made  perfect  through  the 


124  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

blood  of  sprinkling,  an  abundant  entrance  will 
be  administered  unto  us  into  our  Father's  house. 
Dear  sister  Kitty's  health  is  very  delicate ; — 
has  almost  constantly  a  blister  on  her  breast. 
Continue,  dear  L.,  to  hold  up  my  hands  by  your 
faithful  supplications.  I  believe  I  have  often 
felt  their  efficacy.  I  have  not  forgotten  you, 
nor  my  dear  E.,  during  the  sickness  you  have 
had  in  your  family.  I  sometimes  shudder  to 
think  how  many  forms  disease  assumes  to  pull 
down  these  tenements  of  ours.  I  revert  to  my 
visit  to  New. York  as  one  of  the  most  pleasant 
I  ever  made.  Dear  E.'s  patient,  quiet  spirit 
has  often  been  a  lesson  to  me.  I  must  con- 
clude. Bear  with  the  imperfections  of  this,  as 
I  have  written  at  intervals.     Believe  me  yours, 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

Philadelphia,  Feb.  8,  1830. 
My  Ever  Dear  Lydia, — Had  I  followed 
the  bent  of  my  inclination  you  would  have  re- 
ceived an  immediate  answer  to  your  last  ;  but 
a  train  of  unforseen  events  has  deterred  me 
from  an  employment  I  take  great  delight  in, 
which  I  think  my  dearest  cousin  has  had  suf- 
ficient proof  of  in  days  past.  Varied  indeed 
have  been  the  circumstances  through  which  I 
have  passed  ;  yet  with  the  deepest  gratitude  I 
must  acknowledge,  that  the  smallest  favours  are 
only  bestowed  upon  me  through  the  atonement 
of  the  immaculate  Son  of  God. 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  125 

We  are  settled  in  as  comfortable  and  conve- 
nient a  habitation  as  I  could  ever  ask  or  desire. 
The  toil  of  moving  was  sweetened  by  the  so- 
ciety of  dear  Mary  Ann.  Ah,  Lydia  !  I  wish 
I  could  say  that  my  sister  K.'s  health  is  mend- 
ing. It  is  indeed  a  severe  trial  to  watch  the 
ravages  of  disease  in  the  form  that  is  nearest 
to  us  by  the  tender  ties  of  nature.  It  was  with 
feelings  I  cannot  describe,  I  greeted  the  first 
moments  of  1830  I  had  calculated  long  since 
to  have  "  slumbered  with  the  dreamless  dead 
from  all  my  toil."  I  have  commenced  watch- 
ing the  motions  of  my  soul  most  narrowly. — 
How  often  have  I  to  mourn  that  my  mind  is 
filled  with  foolish  fancies.  What  but  a  Sa- 
viour's blood  can  wash  these  failures  from  my 
soul.  Blessed  be  God,  I  have  felt  and  con- 
tinue to  feel  from  my  own  experience,  "  that 
there  is  now  no  condemnation  to  them  who 
are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the 
flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit."  I  find  I  have  more 
boldness  in  the  cause  of  my  Redeemer,  I  can 
join  with  you  in  the  firm  persuasion  that  an 
awful  wo  will  be  denounced  against  me,  if  I 
refuse  to  own  my  Lord.  This  duty  has  been 
pointed  out  to  me  as  with  a  sunbeam.  I  be- 
lieve that  we  who  have  tasted  of  the  good  word 
of  life  are  frequently  wanting  in  declaring  it. 
May  we  be  enabled  to  stir  up  the  gift  of  God, 
and  excite  each  other  to  diligence.  E.  Abbott 
is  now  no  more.  It  is  well !  She  made  sure 
work.  Our  friend,  E.  Ogden,  witnessed  her 
triumphant    flight.     For  some  hours  her  cry 


126  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

was,  "  Come,  Lord  Jesus ;  fain  nry  spirit 
would  be  there."  E.  asked  if  death  was  a 
terror  to  her  :  "  Mo,"  she  replied,  "  it  is  sting, 
less.  O,  if  I  had  strength  I  would  tell  yo& 
what  I  feel."  When  her  voice  was  lost  if 
death,  she  threw  up  her  arms  in  token  of  vu 
tory.  Eliza  lived  in  the  enjoyment  of  perfe* 
love  six  years.  I  never  found  her  mind  la- 
bouring  under  a  cloud.  Though  the  dark  wave 
of  affliction  hath  oft  rolled  over  us,  still  we  are 
upheld  by  an  invisible  power. 

"  O  how  it  lifts  my  soul  to  think, 

Of  meeting  round  the  throne  ; 
Eternal  joys  we  there  shall  drink; 

There  sorrows  never  come." 

Mr.  Higgins  has  been  favoured  to  see  a 
gracious  work  of  God  at  the  Academy,  I  have 
cause  to  rejoice  that  I  ever  heard  the  sound  of 
his  voice.  It  would  be  superfluous  to  ask  your 
prayers,  as  I  know  they  daily  ascend  for  m3. 
May  our  joint  supplications  continue  to  ascend 
till  they  are  lost  in  everlasting  praise. 

Hannah. 

To  the  Same. 

Philadelphia,  May  15,  1830. 
My  Dearest  Lydia, — Such  were  my  en- 
gagements on  the  reception  of  your  last  kind 
letter,  that  1  could  not  answer  it  as  I  wished 
without  delay.  I  was  encouraged  to  hope  that 
you  intended  to  favour  me  with  a  visit  this 
month,  and  I  daily  looked  for  you.  What  has 
changed  your  plans  ?     O,  Lydia,  did  you  know 


LETTERS   OF   MISS  BUNTING.  127 

how  much  I  need  your  sympathy,  I  think  a 
personal  interview  would  not  be  denied.  The 
time  never  seemed  so  long  as  since  we  parted. 
Sister  K.  is  something  better ;  yet  her  cough 
is  very  troublesome.  Dare  not  flatter  myself 
with  a  hope  of  her  recovering  her  wonted  health. 
I  am  sometimes  ready  to  faint,  but  when  I  con- 
sider what  Jesus  endured  for  me,  every  sigh  is 
hushed.     Was  it  not  that  God 

"  Gives  my  gasping  soul  to  see 
Jesus  crucified  for  me." 

I   know  not  where  I  should  lay  my  fainting 
head.     What  amazing  condescension  that  we 
know,   and  feel  a  Father's  presence.      Let  us 
be  encouraged  then,  my  dear  cousin,  to 
"  Press  to  our  native  skies, 
Mighty  in  prayer  ; 
Heaven's  bliss  is  perfect— pure- 
Glory  is  there : 
What  makes  its  joys  complete  ? 
What  makes  its  hymns  so  sweet  ? 
There  ive  our  friends  shall  meet- 
Jesus  is  there." 

You  will  no  doubt  expect  a  long  letter,  but 
this  privilege  is  denied  me.  Dear  L.,  believe 
me,  this  heart  beats  as  warmly  as  ever,  and 
takes  as  warm  an  interest  in  ail  that  concerns 
you  as  formerly.  I  have  feared  for  you  of  late 
on  account  of  your  health.  May  the  Lord 
spare  you  to  me.  I  know  not  how  to  part 
with  your  dear  sister  D.,  so  great  a  blessing  is 
a  congenial  mind.  Dear  H.  stands  much  alone ; 
-r- hope  their  new  preacher  may  possess  a 
tongue  of  fire.    The  cause  of  Frankford  is  un« 


128       LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

dertaken  by  God  himself.  They  are  preparing 
tho  academy  there  for  a  place  of  worship.  I 
have  raised  about  thirty  dollars  toward  defray- 
ing the  expense  of  repairing.  Remember  me 
before  the  sprinkled  throne.  You  are  never 
forgotten  by  ycur  affectionate  cousin, 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

Philadelphia,  July  G,  1830. 
My  Dear  L., — I  will  snatch  a  moment  to 
say  that  we  reached  home  at  five  o'clock  yes- 
terday. K.  bore  her  journey  pretty  well.  I 
cannot  tell  how  anxious  I  am  to  hear  from  dear 
H,  Let  me  receive  a  line  by  the  first  post. 
The  concern  you  and  my  friends  manifest  for 
my  dear  sister,  has  cemented  the  bonds  of 
union.  K.  says  she  will  never  forget  the  pains 
you  took  to  make  her  comfortable.  May  every 
purchased  blessing,  bought  by  blood  Divine, 
rest  upon  each  of  you.  I  know  I  do  not  appre- 
ciate the  blessings  that  are  granted  me  as  I 
ought,  or  I  should  have  been  more  submissive 
when  called  to  leave  you  and  dear  H. — 
"  Naught  that  is  seen  is  half  so  fair  as  face  of 
faithful  friend,  fairest  when  seen  in  darkest 
day:' 

The  week  spent  in  the  city  I  remember,  and 
shall  never  forget  our  burning  words,  that  ut- 
tered all  the  soul, — sorrow  with  sorrow  sighing, 
hope  with  hope  exulting.  My  kindest  sym- 
pathy to  my  loved  cousin  H.  and   all  friends. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  129 

With  the  confident  expectation  of  soon  hearing 
from  you,  I  remain  yours,  Hannah. 


To  tfie  same, 

Philadelphia,  Oct.  4,  1830. 

My  Ever  Dear  Cousin  L.  has,  ere  this, 
concluded  me  ungrateful  for  the  repeated  fa- 
vours she  has  conferred  upon  me.  May  the 
Lord  reward  you  for  pouring  the  sacred  balm 
of  friendship  into  this  heart,  that  assuredly 
knows  how  to  appreciate  its  worth.  You  may 
have  heard  of  my  indisposition,  which  has  been 
the  chief  cause  of  my  silence.  Even  now  it 
seems  almost  out  of  the  question  for  me  to 
write,  owing  to  the  weakness  of  my  breast.  I 
wish  to  enter  into  a  minute  detail  of  the  man- 
ner  in  which  I  have  passed  my  summer,  but 
must  dispense  with  doing  so.  and  give  you  only 
the  outlines.  I  was  two  weeks  at  Frankford  : 
the  house  was  crowded  with  gay  and  fashion- 
able boarders  ; — I  stood  alone  in  the  midst  of 
multitudes ; — I  said  to  my  soul,  u  Come  not 
thou  into  their  secret."  Every  leisure  moment 
I  stole  off  to  worship,  and  unite  with  the  fol- 
lowers of  the  lowly  Jesus.  It  would  be  im- 
possible for  me  to  describe  in  the  language  of 
mortals  what  my  feelings  were  on  many  of 
those  occasions. 

You  would  be  astonished  to  hear  the  now  of 

soul  many  possess  in  prayer,  who  were,  not 

long  since  in  the  high   way  to   ruin.      Two 

classes  are  formed,  and  the  Lord   hath   pro- 

9 


130  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BVljECWG. 

vided  leaders  for  each.  From  Frankford  we 
went  to  Jenkentown,  ten  miles  from  this,  and 
stayed  three  weeks,  My  acquaintances  were 
out  of  my  reach,  but  I  was  enabled  to  cast  my 
lonesome  soul  on  Him  who  is  able  to  make  up 
every  deficiency.  I  was  pleased  to  meet  with 
Miss  Palmer,  who  resides  near  this  village,  and 
is  still  holding  ou  her  way  to  "  the  better  land." 
I  was  glad  also  to  rind  one  who  could  talk  with 
me  of  you, — the  friend  of  my  childhood,  the 
friend  of  my  heart.  I  could  not  feel  clear 
to  leave  this  place  without  relieving  my  mind 
of  the  bitter  reflection  of  having  passed  near 
a  month  with  those  who  knew  not  God,  without 
making  an  effort  for  their  salvation.  For  this 
purpose  Miss  P,  and  myself  went  to  German- 
town  to  solicit  the  circuit  preachers  to  hold 
meetings  in  Jenkentown.  This  they  have  since 
done,  and  it  is  now  a  regular  appointment. — 
Miss  Pepper  has  rented  a  large  ball  room,  and 
has  had  it  fitted  up  for  worship. 

For  two  weeks  before  I  ventured  home, |T 
had  chills  and  fever.  I  had  not  been  home 
more  than  a  day  before  I  was  taken  to  my  bed 
with  intermittent  fever.  I  had  but  just  recover- 
ed from  this  when  I  was  seized  with  spitting 
blood : — had  two  attacks.  This  has  left  me 
very  much  enfeebled  ;  yet  I  am  much  better 
than  I  anticipated.  The  Lord  has  permitted 
me  to  be  tried,  yet  the  flames  have  not  kindled 
upon  me,  neither  have  the  billows  overwhelmed 
me.  I  feel  deeply  humbled  under  a  continua- 
tion  of  the    unmerited   mercies  of  my  God. 


LETTERS  OF  MISS   BUNTING.  131 

I  have  felt  that  it  is  a  solemn  thing  to  look 
death  steadily  in  the  face  ;  yet,  under  my  most 
terrifying  symptoms,  my  mind  is  kept  perfectly 
calm.  No  ;  blessed  be  God,  I  did  not  "  faint 
in  the  day  of  rebuke."  I  am  striving  more 
than  ever  to  set  my  face  full  toward  Zion,  since 
I  so  soon  must  die.  And  I  have  just  learned 
that  my  dear  cousin  also  has  been  severely 
afflicted !  My  soul  does  magnify  the  Lord 
that  you  are  yet  spared  to  me.  Ah  !  my  dear 
L.,  if  we  should  be  so  happy  as  to  reach  hea- 
ven, we  shall  acknowledge  that  it  was  grace 
which  brought  us  there. 

I  have  changed  my  class  to  Tuesday  after- 
noon :  it  is  much  nearer  for  me.  Some  of  our 
members  are  wholly  devoted  to  God.  Mr. 
Higgins  is  the  leader.  He  said  to  me  this  af- 
ternoon, "  Sister  Hannah,  we  have  not  always 
to  be  in  this  field  of  battle."  You  were  imme- 
diately presented  to  my  mind.  Yes,  thought  I, 
the  tempests  must  and  will  break  down  these 
tenements  of  ours,  and  "  let  our  ransomed 
spirits  go,  to  grasp  the  God  they  seek."  D. 
Welsh  is  now  a  class  mate  of  mine.  Had  we 
your  spirit  to  join  with  ours — but  hush  !  my 
heart ;  though  distant  we  are  still  united.  D. 
has  been  sinking  gradually  since  you  saw  her. 
She  dreamed  that  you  and  herself  were  walking 
in  a  graveyard  together  and  read  on  a  stone 
this  passage,  "  Be  ye  also  ready  ;  for  in  such 
an  hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man  cometh." 
The  more  I  know  of  D.3  the  more  I  feel  like 
sitting  at  her  feet,  to  take  lessons  of  patience 


132  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

and  humility.  How  is  my  dear  friend,  Mrs.  A.  ? 
I  desire  an  interest  in  her  prayers.  I  am  pass- 
ing through  deep  waters,  and  never  needed  the 
supplications  of  my  friends  more.  Let  this 
lead  my  L.  to  importunate  prayer,  that  in  all 
my  tribulations  it  may  be  said  that  I  "  sinned 
not."    I  am,  with  sincere  affection,  your  cousin, 

Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Mount  Holly,  June  21,  1831. 

My  Dearest  Lydia, — I  can  no  longer  for- 
bear the  pleasure  of  thus  silently  addressing 
you.  I  wish  I  Could  give  you  some  idea  of 
the  benefit.  I  derived  from  your  last  letter. — 
Tears  of  gratitude  to  God,  and  love  for  you 
chased  each  other  down  my  checks,  while  I 
was  perusing  its  sacred  contents.  It  found 
me  unable  to  sit  up,  "  restless  and  sad  at  sultry 
noon,"  and  suffering  much  from  the  drawing 
of  a  large  blister. 

Last  Saturday  week  I  raised  blood,  but  by 
keeping  very  otuiet  it  soon  ceased.  The  pure 
air  of  this  village  has  been  of  benefit  to  me. 
My  cough  is  something  better,  but  I  am  in- 
clined to  think  it  will  never  leave  me.  How 
many  of  our  friends,  dear  L.,  are  already  tri- 
umphing in  the  skies.  Death  and  hell  are  for 
ever  vanquished  by  them ;  while  we,  beset  with 
a  thousand  snares,  still  maintain  the  field.  If 
I  had  to  depend  on  my  own  works  to  recom- 
mend me  to  God,  I  should  long   since    have 


LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING.  133 

given  up  the  strife.  A  weak  and  languid  frame 
so  depresses  my  spirit,  that  I  am  oftentimes 
ready  to  sink ;  yet  often  when  least  expecting 
it,  God,  my  Father,  fires  my  soul  with  new 
joys  and  fresh  hopes  of  heaven.  I  could  sav 
much  if  my  strength  would  allow  me  ;  but  as 
it  does  not,  I  must  leave  the  rest  until  we  meet, 
if  this  favour  is  ever  again  to  be  ours.  With 
the  hope  of  a  speedy  answer,  I  shall  close, 
begging  my  dear  L.  to  guard  her  health  with 
the  utmost  precaution.  When  the  master  shall 
have  done  with  us  here,  we  shall  calmly  rest 
for  ever,  where  there  will  be  no  more  pain, — no 
chilling  blasts, — no  sudden  changes.  I  am,  as 
ever,  your  fondly  attached  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

Crosswicks,  July  24,  1831. 
My  Dear  Cousin  Lydia, — The  lassitude 
which  this  excessively  warm  weather  has  caused 
to  pervade  my  shattered  frame,  almost  discou- 
rages me  from  attempting  to  write.  The  con- 
sciousness  that  I  am  addressing  one  who  will 
make  every  needful  allowance  acts  as  a  stimu- 
lus to  my  pen.  It  would  be  needless  for  me 
to  repeat  how  often  I  have  wished  for  the  pri- 
vilege of  your  society  since  I  have  enjoyed  the 
rural  delights  of  this  endeared  spot.  I  cannot 
tell  you  all  I  have  felt  since  I  have  been  se- 
cluded in  those  peaceful  shades.  But  as  I 
wandered  from  room  to  room,  I  could  not  for- 
bear exclaiming,  "Loneliness  seems  so  unnatural 


134  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Iwre"  I  have  marked  many  of  the  well  known 
paths  that  you  and  I,  dear  L  ,  have  rambled 
through  in  "  happy  childhood's  hour,"  and 
sighed  to  think  that  in  all  human  probability 
we  are  never  to  trace  them  together  again. 
Yes,  Lydia, — 

"  The  sickly  dream  of  life, 

From  us  will  vanish  soon  ;" 

and  death  our  wearied  spirits  will  redeem  from 
these  low  regions  of  unvaried  pain.  Hilton's 
brook  will  glide  as  softly  as  before  ; — "  its 
landscapes  smile, — its  golden  harvests  grow," 
when  our  names  are  heard  no  more  below. 
But  though  we  may  never  meet  again  on  these 
mortal  shores,  yet  "  death's  interposing  tide 
cannot,  will  not  spirits  one  in  Christ  divide." 
This  morning,  at  the  family  altar,  I  enjoyed  the 
heart-felt  presence  of  the  Deity.  My  heart  has 
felt  a  tenderness  of  affection  toward  all  my  dear 
friends  in  New-York  since  I  left  them  that  I 
cannot  describe.  The  last  interview  I  had  with 
dear  Mrs.  Arenfred,  is  remembered  with  mourn- 
ful pleasure.  When,  O  "  when  shall  we  three 
meet  again  ?"  I  wish  it  were  so  that  our 
friendly  souls  could  oftener  mingle.  Cousin 
H.,  I  suppose,  has  given  you  an  account  of  the 
camp  meeting,  and  of  the  extraordinary  effort 
I  made  to  get  there.  I  am  confident  that  the 
strength  which  was  then  imparted,  was  in  an- 
swer to  prayer.  By  my  God  I  can  run  through 
a  troop,  or  leap  over  a  wall. 

"  Thus  while  I  dwell  in  this  low  scene, 
The  Lamb  is  my  unfailing  screen  ;  j. 


XKTTEES   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  135 

He  is  my  shield  and  hiding  placo-. 
But  when  I  see  my  Father's  face, 
I'll  need  no  more  a  hiding  placed 

I  went  with  Hannah  to  gaze  on  the  hallowed 
spot  where  our  dear  D.  sleeps  in  sweet  repose. 
Her  grave  is  marked  by  a  pure  white  stone, 
with  this  inscription,  "  She  sleeps  in  Jesus" 
My  health  has  improved  since  I  have  been 
here.  By  keeping  a  perpetual  blister  on  my 
breast  my  cough  is  much  better*,  Farewell. — 
Farewell.     Ever  your  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Mount  Holly,  August  30,  1831. 
My  Dear  Lydia, — I  am  unwilling  for  cou- 
sin E.  to  depart  without  thanking  you  for  your 
refreshing  letter,  which  I  received  during  the 
week  which  T  passed  at  Mrs.  B.'s,  in  Pember- 
ton.  With  a  glowing  heart  I  can  acknowledge 
the  tender  compassion  of  God,  who  still  con- 
tinues to  me  a  good  portion  of  strength.  My 
cough  has  nearly  left  me.  I  came  here  yes- 
terday, and  expect  to  return  to  Philadelphia  on 
Thursday.  A  few  hours  before  I  received 
your  letter,  in  the  silence  of  my  chamber  I  had 
such  sweet  intercourse  with  your  spirit,  [in. 
Christ,]  that  I  almost  fancied  you  were  present 
with  me.  I  was  led  to  exclaim,  "  0  goodness 
infinite  ! — goodness  immense  !  and  love  that 
passeth  knowledge  ! — words  are  vain  ! — lan- 
guage is  lost  in  wonders  so  Divine.  Come, 
then,  expressive  silence,  muse  his  praise." 


136      LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

Have  you  heard  that  Mrs.  Cook  is  enthroned 
in  paradise  by  her  royal  Lord,  whom  she  so  de- 
lighted to  confess  below  ?  Mr.  Collins,  too,  has 
no  doubt  gained  the  utmost  wish  of  his  heart, 
by  being  permitted  to  see  his  crucified  Jesus  ; 
and  dear  Mr.  Porter's  spirit  has  also  burst  from 
its  dwelling  in  clay.  Hallelujah  !  Hallelujah  I 
we  shall  conquer  too,  and  with  all  the  holy  and 
the  happy  unite  in  praising  the  wonders  of  re- 
deeming love,  in  that  blessed  region  wrhere  God 
himself  presides.  I  am  praying  that  you  may  be 
invigorated  both  in  body  and  mind  at  Crotonr 
and  that  afterward  I  may  embrace  you  at  Phila- 
delphia. Farewell,  my  dear,  dear  L.,  and  believe 
me  ever  your  affectionate  Hannah* 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Oct.  24,  1831. 
My  Dearest  Lydia, — It  appears  almost  in- 
credible that  I  have  suffered  so  much  time  to 
elapse  without  sending  a  line  to  one  who  seems 
almost  as  a  part  of  myself.  Yet  so  it  is,  that 
the  seasons  I  had  intended  to  devote  to  writing- 
have  invariably  been  broken  in  upon.  But 
this  much  I  know, — could  I  sit  by  your  side  for 
one  short  hour,  your  mind  would  be  fully  satis- 
fied that  my  silence  had  not  been  designed. 
Last  Sabbath  morning  I  went  to  a  lovefeast  at 
Asbury,  over  the  Schuylkill.  I  never  was  at  a 
place  which  I  think  bore  so  near  a  resemblance 
to  heaven.  One  of  the  preachers-  from  the 
Baltimore  conference  attended  the  meeting.    F 

D 


LETTERS   OF  MISS   BUNTING.  137 

cannot  tell  you  how  holy  an  atmosphere  sur- 
sounds  him. 

InJenkentown  I  believe  the  Lord  intends  to 
establish  a  living  ministry.  Under  the  same 
roof  where  my  suffering  sister  spent  a  month, 
and  where  my  soul  was  often  in  an  agony  ot 
prayer  that  salvation  might  come  to  that  house 
and  neighbourhood,  a  class  now  meets  ;  and  five 
of  the  inmates  of  that  dwelling  belong  to  it.  I 
spent  my  time  very  profitably  while  there,  visit- 
ing a  number  of  families ;  but  I  will  desist 
speaking  so  much  of  myself,  yet  not  until  I  say 
something  respecting  my  bodily  and  spiritual 
health.  For  two  weeks  I  have  not  been  so 
well ;  it  has  been  with  difficulty  that  I  have 
kept  up,  owing  to  a  severe  cold  and  cough.  It 
grieves  me  that  I  am  in  no  better  plight  to  ad- 
dress you,  but  I  dare  not  defer  writing  any 
longer  ;  yet  when  I  tell  you  how  I  have  passed 
this  sacred  day,  you  will  doubt  my  being  very 
sick.  At  six  o'clock  this  morning,  E.  C.  and 
an  humble  few  of  like  precious  faith  met  with 
me  in  prayer  meeting.  At  nine,  E.  and  myself 
visited  D.  Welsh.  It  was  a  hallowed  hour. 
You  did  not  seem  far  distant.  I  have  not 
strength  to  write  all  the  messages  D.  sent  you. 
She  told  me  she  was  confident  there  was  no 
other  way  for  God  to  bring  her  home,  but  in  the 
path  she  now  treads  ;  and  her  soul  rejoices  that 
she  is  called  to  drink  a  portion  of  that  cup  her 
Master  deigned  to  choose.  Permanent  peace 
constantly  resides  in  her  bosom.  I  heard  Mr. 
Holdich  at  ten  o'clock,  and  Mr.  Hodgson  in  the 


138  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

afternoon.  Mrs.  Bateman  came  home  with 
me,  and  our  tears  flowed  together.  Dear  L., 
Jesus  is  my  great  Rock  • — "  Nothing  beside 
my  God  I  want  ;  nothing  in  earth  or  heaven." 
May  the  consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  fill  your 
.soul  continually.  May  we  cease  to  breathe  ere 
we  cease  to  breathe  our  souls  out  in  adoration 
and  .praise  to  that  Divine  Being  who  alone  is 
worthy  to  be  magnified  by  all  the  inhabitants 
of  earth  and  heaven.  Lydia,  I  stand  in  need  of 
your  most  devout  supplications.  The  cares 
and  ways  of  the  world  oppress  my  heart.  The 
searcher  of  hearts  alone  knows  my  sorrows. 
My  prayer  is,  that  our  kindred  souls  may  be  knit 
still  more  closely,  and  we  continue  a  mutual  bene- 
iit  to  each  other  while  crossing  the  waves  of  this 
world.     As  ever,  yours,  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 

Philadelphia,  Jan.  1,  1832. 
Mv  Dear,  Dear  Lydia, — Is  it  possible  that 
I  have  lived  to  see  the  commencement  of  an- 
other year  1  What  is  life  ?  We  find  nothing 
abiding  this  side  the  grave.  How  short  the 
interval  between  the  cradle  and  the  tomb  !  Let 
us  pause  and  consider  that  every  hour  of  the 
past  year  has  numbered  its  slain,  and  held  out 
to  our  view  that  we  too  are  mortal.  Whether 
we  are  to  see  the  close  of  the  present  year,  is 
known  only  to  God.  But  what  is  the  grave  to 
us  but  a  thin  partition  dividing  time  from  eter- 
nity, and  earth  from  heaven  ?     The  time  is  not 


LETTERS  OP  MISS  BUNTING.      139 

Far  distant  when  God  will  redeem  all  his  saints 
from  the  power  of  the  grade* 

My  dear  L.,  I  still  possess  a  steadiness  of  pur- 
pose "  to  conquer  though  I  die."  The  Lord 
still  has  the  sole  possession  Of  my  heart.  For 
sixteen  years  I  have  given  it  to  him  mOre  often 
than  the  day,  and  would  I  now  withhold  from 
him  the  wreck  of  my  being,  and  grow  slack  with 
home  in  view  1  No  !  let  me  rather  "  spread 
every  rag  of  canvass  to  catch  the  winds  of 
heaven,  and  enter  the  haven  of  rest  under  full 
sail." 

Much  I  could  say  to  you  that  my  strength 
forbids  my  writing.  I  am  kept  a  prisoner 
within  doors,  yet  the  time  does  not  drag  hea- 
vily. No  !  the  presence  of  Jesus  make&  every 
season  please.  "  When  I  am  happy  in  him, 
December  's  as  pleasant  as  May." 

I  keenly  felt  the  disappointment  of  not  see- 
ing you  :  perhaps  it  was  for  the  best,  but  I 
could  not  see  it  so.  I  have  needed  your 
friendly  bosom  to  repose  my  griefs.  How 
very  near  your  spirit  hath  seemed  to-day !  For 
I  remember  that  this  time  last  year  you  were 
with  me.  O,  little  did  I  think  that  one  short 
year  would  bring  such  changes!  But  what 
else  can  we  calculate  on  here  ?  Soon  I  shall 
sing  for  ever,  "  My  sorrows  all  are  o'er." 
Farewell,  my  precious  Lydia,  my  "  sister  spi- 
rit," farewell ; — heaven's  joys  are  durable. — 
May  the  Lord  bring  us  to  dwell  together  there. 
Yours,  Hannah. 


140  LETTERS  OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  Jan.  17,  1832. 

My  Dear  Cousin  Lydia, — As  I  have  been 
so  remiss  in  answering  your  letters  of  late,  I 
thought  it  advisable  to  improve  the  first  leisure 
in  thanking  you  for  your  last  favour.  I  never 
received  a  line  from  you  when  I  stood  in  greater 
need  of  a  sympathizing  friend. 

I  have  been  called  to  drink  "  one  drop  ofmy 
Saviour's  sad  cup."  Thankful  have  I  taken  it, 
knowing  it  is  prepared  and  mingled  by  the  hand 
of  a  skilful  Physician.  I  believe,  my  dear  cou- 
sin, that  the  more  spiritual  we  desire  to  be,  the 
more  bitter  shall  we  find  the  present  life,  be- 
cause  we  shall  more  sensibly  feel  in  ourselves, 
and  more  clearly  discern  in  others,  the  depth 
of  human  corruption.  But  my  sorrows  are  not 
worth  a  name  when  I  think  what  my  Saviour 
endured  when  he  was  on  earth,  working  out  the 
salvation  of  an  ungrateful  world. 

I  have  filled  two  pages  on  self;  but  you  will 
pardon  me,  as  it  is  a  relief  to  my  mind.  I  have 
felt  much  concerned  for  your  health.  May  I 
be  spared  the  agony  of  losing  you.  How  it  re- 
joices my  heart  that  one  so  dear  to  me  is  so 
faithful  a  witness  for  her  Lord  and  Master. 
Go  on,  dear  L.,  your  reward  will  be  glorious. 

My  soul  enters  deeply  into  the  sufferings  of 
my  dear  cousin  Eiizabeth.  I  too  have  known 
the  pain  of  parting  with  a  dear  parent.  May 
she  be  strengthened  by  the  Most  High,  and  be 
enabled  to  cast  her  sorrows  on  Him  who  wept 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  141 

at  the  grave  of  Lazarus.  My  ardent  prayer  is, 
that  it  may  sink  her  deeper  into  God,  make 
heaven  more  desirable,  and  earth  less  pleasant. 
It  is  past  ten  o'clock,  and  my  side  warns  me 
to  cease.  May  I  indulge  the  hope  of  seeing 
your  face  in  the  flesh  ?  I  have  much  to  be 
thankful  for  in  kind  friends.  I  place  much  de- 
pendence on  your  prayers.  I  know  not  how  to 
cease.     Your  affectionate  Hannah. 


To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  March  2,  1832. 

My  Dearest  Lydia, — I  am  grieved  that 
you  should  have  to  write  two  letters  ere  you 
could  receive  an  answer.  But  I  am  sure  if 
you  were  with  me  and  saw  my  great,  debility, 
you  would  pardon  my  apparent  neglect. 

If  I  am  not  entirely  laid  aside,  I  hope  soon 
to  spend  some  time  in  Crosswicks.  Miss  P. 
has  been  very  kind.  I  have  frequently  rode 
out  with  her,  which  has  been  reviving  after 
being  almost  entirely  housed  during  the  winter. 
Ho w  gladly  would  I  be  found  waiting  with  you 
in  the  courts  of  Zion !  But  it  matters  not 
whether  you  sing  the  Lamb  in  hymns  below. 
and  I  in  hymns  above,  as  the  kingdoms  are  but 
one.  I  am  indeed  sinking  ;  but  I  can  see  my 
earthly  tabernacle  falling  and  decaying  without 
dismay.  Why,  my  dear  L.,  should  we  be  un- 
happy at  the  thought  of  a  departure  from  a 
temporal  accommodation,  where  the  storm  is 
so  often  felt  ? 


142  LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING. 

I  have  suffered  much  from  pain  in  my  breast. 
I  never  had  so  much  cough.  If  it  were  not 
for  a  mixture  I  take,  prescribed  by  Dr.  Physic, 
I  believe  sleep  would  scarce  visit  my  eyes  all 
night.  I  perspire  considerably  ;  which,  with  a 
loss  of  appetite,  has  brought  me  quite  low ;  yet  I 
do  not  keep  my  room,  but  have  to  lie  down  most 
of  the  day  on  the  sofa.  I  can  give  you  no 
idea  of  what  I  suffer  from  a  constant  weari- 
ness and  weakness.  I  think  if  the  return  of 
spring  and  pleasant  weather  do  not  revive 
me,  I  shall  not  long  remain  an  inhabitant  of 
earth. 

I  sometimes  think  the  Lord  may  see  it  need- 
ful to  continue  me  in  affliction,  because  of  my 
anxiety  to  be  gone.  I  could  not  put  forth  a 
breath  to  direct  God's  disposal  of  me  ;  and 
whatever  may  have  been  the  past  ;  however 
dark  and  trying,  even  for  years  to  come,  my 
latter  history  may  be,  I  feel  it  is  enough  for  me 
to  know  that  Jehovah  is  my  God.  Blessed  be 
the  Lord  for  ever,  he  does  at  times  draw  aside 
the  curtain  of  mortality,  and  give  me  a  view  by 
faith  of  my  heavenly  inheritance. 

I  wish  the  power  of  expression  were  granted 
me,  that  I  could  give  you  .some  idea  of  the  con- 
solation I  derive  from  your  letters.  May  you 
be  repaid  double.  Tell  Mrs.  A.  she  feels  now 
much  nearer  to  me  than  ever.  It  is  needless 
to  say  1  love  her.  And'  now,  dear  L.,  I  must 
cease.  May  I  ask  the  favour  of  a  letter  soon  ? 
How  shall  I  say  farewell.  God  bless  you. 
Your  cousin.  Hannah. 


LETTERS   OF  MISS  BUNTING.  143 

To  the  Same. 
Philadelphia,  April  11,  1832. 

My  Dear  L., — Your  letter  came  to  hand 
when  I  much  needed  so  sweet  a  cordial.  But 
a  few  hours  before  I  had  an  attack  of  raising' 
blood,  which  was  more  severe  than  the  one  I 
had  when  in  New-York.  I  have  kept  my  bed 
most  of  the  time  since,  yet  sit  up  as  much  as  I 
can  bear.  Every  week  I  feel  myself  more 
enfeebled  by  disease. 

Our  friend  Mary  Ann  spent  a  few  hours  with 
me  two  weeks  since,  and  promised  to  write 
and  let  you  know  of  my  changes.  My  strength 
will  not  allow  me  to  enter  into  particulars. 
When  we  meet,  which  I  trust  will  be  in  a  few 
weeks,  I  can  say  all  I  wish. 

I  am  indulging  the  hope  of  having  you  with 
me  during  the  month  of  May.  I  know  not 
what  my  state  will  then  be  ;  but  O  Lydia,  if 
you  could  be  with  me  !  It  is  more  than  a  year 
since  ypu  have  been  in  this  city.  I  doubt  my 
being  an  inhabitant  of  it  much  longer  for  you 
to  visit.  Come,  then,  while  I  have  some 
strength  left  to  enjoy  your  society.  Dear  Han- 
nah I  hope  to  see ;  but  you  know  she  cannot 
leave  her  charge  long,  and  cousin  B.  I  fear 
will  be  prevented  by  imperious  duties.  Ah  ! 
dear  Lydia,  again  has  death  entered  Hilton's 
peaceful  shades  : — "  The  fireside  shows  a  va- 
cancy ;  the  churchyard  bears  an  added  stone." 

Words  are  too  poor  to  paint  what  my  feel- 
ings have  been  for  some  weeks  ;  but  this  I  can 
say  to  the  glory  of  God,  that  my  heart  has  beep 


144  LETTERS   OF  Z.llriS   KUMTA'G. 

as  the  lake  whose  calm  the  whirlwind  hath  not 
broken  ;  and  I  have  been  enabled  to  make  an 
exclusive  surrender  of  myself,  and  all  that  con- 
cerns me  and  mine,  into  the  hands  of  Israel's 
God ;  since  which  I  have  experienced  a  calm 
repose  in  him  which  Satan  hath  not  been  able 
to  deprive  me  of.  Tell  my  cousin  E.  to  be 
very  importunate  in  her  supplications  for  me  : — 
love  to  her  and  dear  cousin  I.  I  wish  to  see 
them  both  once  more  in  the  flesh  ;  but  if  this 
is  not  granted,  I  hope  to  hail  their  joyful  arri- 
val in  that  blessed  world  where  they,  with  me, 
and  you,  dear  L.,  have  so  many  tender  ties. 
How  I  prize  Mrs.  A.'s  prayers  !  My  soul 
does  magnify  the  Lord  for  the  interest  I  have 
in  the  petitions  of  many  of  his  saints,  and  for 
the  intercessions  of  my  adorable  Saviour.  I 
should  have  fainted  long  since  but  for  these. 
My  tenderest  regards  to  Mrs.  Arenfred,  M. 
Morgan,  A.  Smithman,  my  dear  cousin  J.  War- 
dell  and  family,  and  all  I  love.  Lydia,  if  you 
knew  ray  languishing  state,  I  think  you  would 
cheer  me  with  an  immediate  answer,  assuring 
me,  if  possible,  you  will  be  with  me  early  in 
May.  Class  meeting  I  am  now  shut  out  from, 
but  Jesus  is  my  all.  How  shall  I  close? 
Farewell,  dear,  dear  L. ;  and  may  the  peace  of 
God  continue  your  daily  portion.  If  I  never 
write  again,  or  we  meet  no  more  on  earth,  the 
time  is  not  far  distant  when  we  shall  together 
gaze  on  the  uncreated  beauties  of  the  Three  in 
One,  in  the  midst  of  the  throne. 

Yours,  Hannah. 


DUE  DATE 

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